Language and gender Tube

London Underground

Mums and mums-to-be Getting around town with a pram or buggy can be tricky at the best of times, so feel free to ask our staff for help if you need it. Also, www.tfl.gov.uk/tubeguru can tell you whether the stations you’re planning to use have lifts, escalators or stairs.

We know that if you're pregnant you're more likely to appreciate having a seat. Asking strangers to give up their seats can be awkward, and you can't always rely on people noticing you're pregnant, so we've produced the Baby-on-board badge.

You can get one from your GP or midwife, or by calling London Underground Customer Services on 0845 330 9880.

Staying safe Over 630 British Transport Police patrol the stations. We also have over 6,000 CCTV cameras on the network, and we're installing cameras on all our trains. There are emergency alarms in carriages and Help Points are conveniently located in most stations, often on the platform.

The 'Information' and 'Emergency' buttons will connect you to a member of staff immediately.

Although the Tube is a safe way of getting around, many women find that sitting near an emergency alarm gives them extra peace of mind.

If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, hop off and get in the next carriage or find a member of staff. Similarly, if you see anyone behaving inappropriately, please report it either to a member of staff or directly to the police on 0800 40 50 40.

Keep your eyes and ears open. Suspicious behaviour should be reported immediately to the police by calling 999, or via a member of staff, as should any unattended bags. For this reason, it’s doubly important that you take your belongings and litter with you when leaving the station.

Helpful planning tips: Journey Planner will help you find the best route TubeGuru will give you ideas for good places to meet near the station, or help mums with children find out which stations have lifts The Travel Alert service will give you live travel updates For all these services and more visit www.tfl.gov.uk.

Our top travel tips: tips Keep the number of a taxi or licensed minicab firm with you in case you miss the last Tube Carry a snack like a cereal bar with you and always carry a bottle of water when it's hot Don't take your phone out as soon as you leave the station: that's when it's at most risk of theft Remember that if you ever need help, our staff are always on hand.

TUBE TiPS

for women

MAYOR OF LONDON

Transport for London

Tube tips for women This leaflet has been produced by women for women to help you get the most out of using the Tube, and to stay safe.

It’s full of tips and facts that will help ensure your journey is easy and trouble free.

For example, a few simple precautions will help stamp down on petty crime.

The most commonly recorded crime is pickpocketing: so although it’s obvious advice, keep your bag zipped and in sight. Make sure any valuables like iPods and mobiles are tucked away.

Going out…

If you’re heading out, www.tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner helps you find the quickest and easiest route there (and back) whether you want to travel by Tube, bus, train or DLR. Night buses run right through the night, and are a good alternative if you miss the last Tube.

Want to meet in a more glamorous location than the Tube station? TubeGuru lists bars and restaurants near stations and even tells you which stations have cash machines and loos. www.tfl.gov.uk/tubeguru.

To make life easier, you can get text alerts to your mobile from www.tfl.gov.uk/travelalerts. These let you know about any potential disruptions to your journey. To plan your journey using your mobile text TFL to 60835, or call the 24-hour London Travel Information line on 020 7222 1234, which also gives licensed cab numbers and night bus info.

…and getting home Don’t let the thought of how you’re going to get home spoil a great night out. Lots of Tubes run later than you’d think – until 00:30 Monday to Saturday in central London and 23:30 on Sundays.

We know that it’s all too easy for the Tube to rock you to sleep, so make an extra effort to keep your wits about you or make sure you travel with a friend.

If you think you might nod off, take a cab. It’s a good idea to have the number of a licensed minicab tucked away in your purse – we’ve included a handy card in this leaflet with contact numbers on it. So if that last ‘one for the road’ means you’ve missed the last Tube, you know you can still get home safely.

Minicabs must now be licensed and pre-booked, so look out for the licence in the window before getting in. www.tfl.gov.uk/PCO gives you details of licensed minicab operators for every London borough, or you can call the London Travel Information line on 020 7222 1234.

Alternatively, text HOME to 60835 and you’ll get three licensed minicab numbers close to where you’re texting from. Texts to HOME cost 35p plus your normal texting fee.

Booking a black cab has also been made easier. Try calling One Number on 0871 871 8710 (www.onenumber taxis.com). They’ll send you a cab, and charge up to £2 on top of your fare. Other terms and conditions may apply, so check when making a booking. Texting HOME to 60835 will also give you One Number as well.

On the move Even with all the people who use the Tube, accidents and injuries are rare, and most could easily be avoided. Things like twisted ankles can be a real pain, so mind your step on the escalators – especially if you’re wearing your party shoes.

For further information on Tube travel visit www.tfl.gov.uk/tube

Changing into trainers is a good idea if you know you’ve got a bit of a walk between trains or after you reach your destination.

The most common injuries are to fingers and toes, especially when wearing open-toed shoes, sandals or stilettos.

Avoid blocking or holding doors as it’s dangerous and can cause delays to the service.

A surprising number of people faint during the morning rush hour, which can lead to knock-on delays, so try to make time for breakfast.

A cereal bar does the trick and fits into the tiniest handbag. If you do feel unwell on the Tube and need to use the emergency alarm, it’s best to wait until you’re in the station so we can get help to you more quickly.

(24 hours)

London Travel Information call or text

020 7222 1234 TFL to 60835

Crime reporting call

0800 40 50 40

To book a cab, call One Number or text

TUBE TiPS

0871 871 8710 HOME to 60835 (charges apply and terms and conditions may vary, so check when booking)

for women