TRAINS AND TUBE

The public transport in the UK is quite good, although, obviously, we complain about it – usually because of those couple of days in the year when there are delays.

Trains can be a good way to get around, and to commute.

Find information about times here: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ or here: https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times

A bit of background. National Rail is the organisation that manages the railway network in Britain. Ie: they own and look after the tracks and many of the stations.  The Train Operating Companies run the trains and the passenger services.  Some TOCs you will see on the tracks are c2c, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Southeastern and Arriva.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companies_operating_trains_in_the_United_Kingdom

If you are planning a rail trip across the country, the timetable is usually finalised and published 12 weeks before the date the train is to run.  In theory, tickets could be cheapest 12 weeks out. 

While we think of Tubes around London, there is also an Overground Rail network.  You will see the Overland and National Rail routes on the full Tube map.

https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/track/national-rail

London Underground train

The Tube – or more formally – London Underground and other public transport around London is managed by TFL.

https://tfl.gov.uk/

If you need to get anywhere in London, check of the Plan a Journey feature on the website. I don’t think TFL has an app, but several third parties have mobile apps that allow you to check live train times and plan journeys.  Live train times for the station you’re standing at can be useful.

Paying for public transport around London is usually done by tapping the yellow reader with your card before and after your journey.  In the past you needed an Oyster card – a blue card that you would top up with credit to travel.  You should be able to use any contactless debit or credit card now.  You do not have to register your card(s) with TFL, but it is a good idea in case you need a refund.    https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/contactless-and-oyster-account

If you are ever stuck on a delayed Tube for more than 15 minutes, or a mainline train for more than 30 mins, you may be able to claim back your fare.  Check with the train operator, or for Tube, check here:

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/refunds-and-replacements

In my opinion, it is not worth getting a TFL Travel Card.  A travel card is a pre-paid ticket for 7 days, a month, or a year.  It used to be fashionable to have an annual Travel Card, and some companies will still offer interest free loans to get one as part of your salary benefits.  I’ve found that I was not travelling into the office consistently 5 days a week, with working from home, travel, and leave.  The pay as you go, with the daily cap, works out more cost effective for me.   https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/

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