Like most people in London, I have a mixed relationship with the transport system. Whilst I sigh at the packed commutes, feel exhausted walking between tubes at King’s Cross, and berate the never ending engineering works, I will defend it with passion to anyone else who dares to criticise it. For a system that opened in 1843, goes nearly 60 metres underground, travels 82.5 million km and carries 1.43 billion passengers each year, the underground is quite remarkable. More than 90% of Londoners live within 400 metres of a bus stop, and around half of all UK bus trips take place in London. And few places can also boast trams, river boats and a cable car as part of their standard transport system. Anyone who has attempted public transport outside of the capital soon realises their impatient stomp and sigh at the SIX WHOLE MINUTES until the next train is, basically, ludicrous.
One of the other things I love about this city is the museums. The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden may sound a bit nerdy, but it’s really a celebration of and education in something that keeps our daily lives ticking. At this month’s Late it’s all about colour. There will be talks on the psychology of colour and its influence on behaviour, an explanation of just why the tube lines are the colours they are, art activities based on the iconic roundel, and some more frivolous and fun nail bars, cocktails, and bars. All part of their Designology exhibition, it’s a night that shows how transport is more than just A to B for London, and how much thought and development goes into it.
Adults only, this Friday 9 September 2016 from 6.45, tickets are £12 and available here.