The Northern Line Suspended

London Underground Blog Suspended

I am not currently using the northern line underground system to commute to work, and thus have not updated this blog for a long time. I still go past the Mill Hill East tube station which is at the end of the barnet branch of the northern line everyday, but currently my oyster card does not get used on the system, but I'm sure while the modernisation of the whole London underground system is going on, the 100 year old northern line is still living up to its name of the misery line.

The good news though is that the TFL's modernisation programme has been transforming many parts of the Northern line, with station upgrades, track renewal and Signal system upgrades, although My Sony Ericsson Phone still doesn't work underground yet, the metropolitan police force now can communicate more effectively with a new communications system that does.

Northern Line Alternative

Learn to drive and avoid northern line problems

If you live on the ends of the northern line underground system, and are fed up of the delays on the oldest underground system in the world, then maybe you should consider learning to drive a car.

The problem with living on the outer ends of the northern line is that this area of the tube system is hit the most by delays or over running engineering work, and it can be very frustrating when you only have 2 quick stops to go locally, this is why learning to drive a car could be a very good option. Before you eco friendly warriors shoot me down, you don't need to buy a car once you have passed your driving test, as there are many short term car hire schemes now operating in London and it's suburbs that allow you to rent a car for as little as a hour at a very reasonable price, and could have a vehicle parked within walking distance of your street. This car club scheme is also now getting a lot of support from TFL and the mayor of London's office as a green way of travelling around the capital.

You might be thinking that learning to drive a car is something that you can't do, but it is not that difficult if you put your mind to it and are willing to put the time, effort and money into it. Also the earlier you do it, the better. The younger you are, the easier it will be, but doing it now even if you don't need to drive a car now, will be cheaper than leaving it till later in life when it will not only be more expensive, but the driving test is not getting any easier.

To start learning to drive a car, you will need to apply for a provisional licence, once this arrives, it is best if you start preparing for the theory test. I suggest you get a copy of the Driving Test Success All Tests 2007/2008 Edition (PC/DVD ROM).



This is one of the best products on the market for passing the test, containing both the questions and answers, but also the video clips for the hazard perception part of the test. You can also visit the driving test tips blog for advice from a london based dsa approved instructor who might also be able to help with lessons if you are within his area.

While you start preparing for the theory test, you can then start looking for a driving instructor. It is not going to be a walk in the park learning to drive a car, but if you stick with it, you will acquire a life skill that can be very rewarding and useful, and once you've mastered those driving skills, you will find them much more reliable than the northern line. I wish you the best on your Driving lessons in London.