- Opened on January 10 1863, London's Metropolitan line is the oldest tube line in the world.
- At 0.16 miles, the shortest distance between tube stations is Leicester Square to Covent Garden on the Piccadilly line. It is also the most popular route for tourists. However, here's an insider's secret: "it is quicker to walk this distance than travel on the tube. "
- Bank has more escalators than any other Underground station: 15 plus two moving walkways - count them, like what a lot of tourists have done.
- There is only one tube station name which does not have any letters of the word "mackerel" in it - St John's Wood.
- The phrase: “Mind The Gap” can be heard in every London Underground station countless times on a daily basis. But did you know the phrase: "Mind The Gap" originated on the Northern line? But how many of people think it is necessary to be repeated all the time, with the boring tone without any warm feeling?
- Londoners would be shocked to know that all 409 underground escalators do the equivalent of two round-the -world trips each week.
- Angel has Western Europe's longest escalator - 318 steps.
- Amersham is not only the most westerly station in London, at 150 metres above sea level, it is also the highest.
Have your say - info@offbeatlondon.co.uk
"Mind the Gap"
There's something we have to tell you. London's transport is steeped in history, strange stories and quirky facts. And here at Offbeat, we thought it would be just plain rude to not let you in on a few of these tales.
by Su Chang
published on: 13 April, 2010
Before you take the Underground...
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