Possibly the bumpiest and noisiest line on the network, the waterloo and city line is completely empty during off-peak, and packed full at peak time.

beware, unseasoned travellers, for commuters are unforgiving of hesitation. when you get on, go straight to a suitable standing point or dive for the seat. if you stand, for god's sake move right down in side the carriage, making use of all available space. you'll be eaten alive if you don't.

when you get off, let youself be carried by the rest of the crowd if you don't know which direction to go - hesitation will definitely result in injury.

the line only has two stops, and is usually used by commuters working in the city who tend to get national rail into town, then the five minute, 1.5 mile, journey into bank and back.

because of the number of people getting on at waterloo, there is usually a delay getting onto the platform, and you'll often find yourself in a massive queue - push yourself as politely but forcefully as you can without actually shoving people out of the way. this can be a tricky manoeuvre, and involves looking straight in the direction you're moving, and not making eye contact with anyone.

ease yourself in front of people, and slowly but surely you'll find yourself moving forward. once you're actually on the slope that takes you to the platform you'll be fine, and the crowd will push you along if you don't move yurself. you may find it helpful to have a briefcase. just like mothers at zebra crossings with pushchairs, you can use the briefcase to assist with the procedure.

at bank you'll find the underground system's one and only travelator, anong which you can read the latest news from Reuters which pops up on screens along the route.

the trains are among the system's newest, and were introduced in 1993... they're the same as the northern and jubilee lines' trains.

i
t used to be owned and operated by British Rail, but since its breakup, has been managed by the District Line, hence the kinda green colouring of the trains. (In anticipation of the sell off of LU, each line is managed separately, and has its own budgets and maintenance agreement with LU Engineering.)

there are no ticket barriers at either end, but there are usually inspectors, so don't bunk your fare. they won't let you off for any reason. they're nice like that.

good luck.