The public transport system isn’t that bad but regular users are always found wanting and whining for improvements. The TfL answers with improvements over the weekends which is a pain given the fact that the lines I use regularly are often closed for the weekend - specifically the Circle Line. I learned very early on here that the usage of buses for time-critical events must be absolutely avoided. (Read on my personal blog for that outdated post about my horrific bus experience)

The buses can be used only when you don’t have to be punctual or when there is no tube service. Under all other conditions, say NO to buses. Sadly, I broke my own rule and paid the price.

After enjoying a productive day at the College I took off at around 6 p.m. making my way to the South Kensington station. Shock and horror gripped me when I was greeted by a crowd of people. They were huge in number and were leaking out of station due to the lack of space within. Immediately I decided to avoid the use of Tube because it looked impossible to even reach the gates in the next 10 minutes. Oh, and there is another rule, whenever there are signs of delay Circle Line will always be affected.

Thus I decided to avoid the (yellow) Circle Line and go for a bus ride. I expected some traffic congestion and that would be usual at around 6 p.m. Luckily, the bus appeared within no time and I hopped on to it immediately and seated comfortably. After few minutes of easy going suddenly the bus halted. There was no way to go, it was jammed. Not an inch of space and there were no signs of movement. (more…)