Life Underground

It must have been 6 months now since I last set foot on a London Underground train. Even before the pandemic really hit London, I stopped using it so much since I didn't have the need to go downtown that often. It's been even longer since I'd been on a bus.

I don't miss the Tube at all. When I had to commute to work everyday on it, it was pretty much a nightmare. The morning trips weren't so bad, since I usually had to get to work earlier than most people. I would have already reached my destination, work, before the morning rush hour. At times there would be delays or failures that meant I had to find alternatives to work, but these were relatively rare. The trip home was always terrible.

I can't think of a better setting for the coronavirus to spread across a city than on a London Underground train. With people packed body-to-body in a metallic container, often breathing directly into each other's faces, the tube was designed to spread a respiratory pandemic. This is not to mention all the poles, bars and railings one has to touch or hang on to. Heck, it was designed to spread most diseases very efficiently.

Transport for London actually jumped on this very quickly. They implemented a very thorough and regular disinfection routine with "medical grade" disinfectant. I remember walking past an underground station and thinking it smelt like a hospital.

I wonder if London Underground, being so old and around for other pandemics in the past, has anything to do with their preparedness. Honestly, I didn't think they'd be able to function at all, but they did manage to stay open throughout the lockdown - even if only for the critical and essential workers.

I've now been to town twice since the lockdown ended and both times I drove. I think that for now, I will continue to avoid the Tube, even though I can see that it is fully functional now.

Underground wildlife

The number one inhabitant of London is the mouse. The second is the fox. Human beings have invaded their ancient residence and turned it into a city. Like the fox, the mouse will not go down fighting it seems. Both have experienced a population boost, and a renaissance of sorts during this pandemic.

The drastic reduction of trains going through the tunnels, and humans walking up and down the platforms, has meant mice have been able to spread their metaphorical wings and fly.

Talking of flying rodents, I am surprised we don't see bats in the underground tunnels. Seems like the perfect place for them.

Peace & Love,

Adé