Ben Pipe Photography
Or – how to survive the ordeal of a day without the Underground.
Londoners are enduring another day of misery as drivers on their subway–the famous ‘Tube’–strike again in protest at plans to introduce a 24/7 service. The order of the day has been horror, resentment and frustration, punctuated by sporadic outbursts of perspective and the occasional piece of marketing so good it could actually make you forget the smell of the steaming bus-riding commuter into whose armpit your nose has been jammed by the crush of tourists behind you.
Here we present some of the highlights.
At least we got a chance to indulge in the one national sport that foreigners haven’t overtaken us at yet – orderly queuing.
Forming an orderly queue. #tubestrike @bbc5live pic.twitter.com/fHj9e7sNbM
— Lesley Ashmall (@lesleyashmall) August 6, 2015
But on second thoughts…
BREAKING NEWS: All across the capital Brits gather to celebrate our historic National Day of Queuing #tubestrike pic.twitter.com/2cWHEP5oDY
— Antidote (@AntidoteLDN) August 6, 2015
Tempers were, it’s true, just a little bit stretched (don’t click on this interactive map of Londoners heard swearing if you’re easily offended)
And there were the usual snarky references to the drivers who already earn upwards of 50,000 pounds ($78,000) a year for a job that doesn’t tax either the brain or the body unduly.
Well that's that idea done then #tubestrike pic.twitter.com/2egjzjuiok
— Catherine Neilan (@CatNeilan) August 6, 2015
Although the debate was far from one-sided…
The powers that be really want you to hate the #tubestrike today. Cos without unions you're next #olsx #solidarity pic.twitter.com/n7g5DCqeb5
— Denis Fernando (@redcablesunday) August 6, 2015
At least some were able to inject a much-needed sense of perspective into the debate.
#tubestrike hell? Imagine what they go through. pic.twitter.com/Yk0A3Dlpxb
— PETA UK (@PETAUK) August 6, 2015
Today, millions of children are fleeing war & persecution - facing journeys that most of us can’t imagine #tubestrike pic.twitter.com/qWTUXMCDj7
— Save the Children UK (@savechildrenuk) August 6, 2015
Cafes and cocktail bars alike were all busy trying to cash in what was after all a pretty golden opportunity for them, but this one got to the heart of the matter more directly than most.
Top tips for surviving the #tubestrike today (photo: Malcolm) -> http://t.co/9ptFiDpTUa pic.twitter.com/gXrWjKccVP
— Londonist (@Londonist) August 6, 2015
But the old pros were the best for producing slick #Tubestrike-themed marketing – witness Carlsberg’s recommendation for how to use your ‘Oyster’ card today.
Here’s #ProbablyTheBest use of your tube card today #TubeStrike. https://t.co/JhWp4eApZ8
— Carlsberg UK (@CarlsbergUK) August 5, 2015
And, by the by, thanks to this maker of hygiene products for not laboring the point:
#TubeStrike worries? Our new Surf with fragrance release technology will keep you feeling fresh for the journey home! pic.twitter.com/YOvOm0kUYH
— Surf Laundry (@Surfy_UKI) August 6, 2015
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