Victoria Station

Though I haven’t really had too much experience of other tube stations at peak hour, I still think that Victoria has to be one of the worst.

In the mornings, since we’re (un)lucky enough to jump on quite early in the route, the train isn’t too crowded, and we generally get a seat. However, by the time the train arrives at Victoria, it’s usually so packed that people are crammed into every available space.

I always feel like people are in two minds when they see me get out of my seat to leave; on one hand, the people in my immediate vicinity are secretly plotting how they’re going to usurp the seat from the other passengers. On the other hand, the people who don’t stand a chance in the seat-race purposely try to block me, to make my exit difficult, as some form of punishment for having a seat for the whole journey. At least, that’s how it feels sometimes.

Suffice to say, that just getting out of the train is a huge fight. I must admit, getting in can’t be much better; when the platform is six or seven people deep, you can tell that there’s definitely not enough room for everyone.

Coming home is a similar story. Anytime from about 5:45 PM until 7 PM is a total madhouse. Sometimes the platforms get so crowded that they actually close the station – barring up the entrances, and manning them with guards. Just to add to the effect, they also have these ridiculous sirens and flashing signs saying, “No Entry”!

When you finally do get down to the platform, it’s utter chaos. We like to go to the very back of the train, as it’s the closest carraige to our exit; yet sometimes, with the number of people fighting to go the other way, you can’t help but to move with the crowd.

Possibly the most frustrating thing though, is watching train after train go by, and simply thinking, “there’s no way I’m fitting in there”. Yesterday I had to wait for 15 minutes, letting 4 trains pass, before I managed to squeeze in to one.

Why oh why don’t more companies encourage working at home?!

Edit: The tube god – who I call “Tubacarbreh” – must have heard my complaints, as a shiney new empty District line train pulled up just as I got to the platform this morning! Sah-weet!