Tube Etiquette - Why We Stand On The Right, Walk On The Left

[mcgillianaire]

It's a daily ritual. Annoyed Londoner telling-off and shoving ignorant tourists to stand on the right-side of the escalator as they hurry down the left-side on the way to work (or back from it). But why do we do it? Well a piece of restored video from a 1928 film aptly-titled Underground may have the answer. The video taken inside London's Waterloo Tube station shows passengers standing on the right-side because of the diagonal-shaped step at the end of the escalator, that made it easier to get-off with one's right foot first. The film is being shown at the 53rd London Film Festival and contains some of the earliest video footage of the world's oldest and most famous underground railway. And in case you weren't aware of it, make sure you never stand on the left-side on your next visit!

Comments

[taxlady.livejournal.com]

In Denmark you stand on the right and walk on the left. You act as though you are a car that is parked next to the curb.

[pappubahry.livejournal.com]

My guess is that in most countries you stand on the side that you drive on. London is backwards.

[taxlady.livejournal.com]

I agree that it's backwards in London.

[mcgillianaire.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

[drunkendeadcat.livejournal.com]

ah so THAT'S why

[mcgillianaire.livejournal.com]

Indeed!

[messicat.livejournal.com]

What an awesome piece of history! It always confused me! Here people walk and stand on both sides, it's REALLY annoying, we need signs everywhere!