Londoners are enduring another day of misery as drivers on their subway–the famous ‘Tube’–strike again in protest at plans to introduce a 24/7 service. The order of the day has been horror, resentment and frustration, punctuated by sporadic outbursts of perspective and the occasional piece of marketing so good it could actually make you forget the smell of the steaming bus-riding commuter into whose armpit your nose has been jammed by the crush of tourists behind you.
Here we present some of the highlights.
At least we got a chance to indulge in the one national sport that foreigners haven’t overtaken us at yet – orderly queuing.
Https://twitter.com/lesleyashmall/status/629184141951537152
But on second thoughts…
BREAKING NEWS: All across the capital Brits gather to celebrate our historic National Day of Queuing #tubestrikepic.twitter.com/2cWHEP5oDY
— Antidote (@AntidoteLDN) August 6, 2015
Tempers were, it’s true, just a little bit stretched (don’t click on this interactive map of Londoners heard swearing if you’re easily offended)
And there were the usual snarky references to the drivers who already earn upwards of 50,000 pounds ($78,000) a year for a job that doesn’t tax either the brain or the body unduly.
Https://twitter.com/CatNeilan/status/629201465098285056
Although the debate was far from one-sided…
The powers that be really want you to hate the #tubestrike today. Cos without unions you're next #olsx#solidaritypic.twitter.com/jrJaC3auKu
— Occupy London (@OccupyLondon) August 6, 2015
At least some were able to inject a much-needed sense of perspective into the debate.
#tubestrike hell? Imagine what they go through. Pic.twitter.com/Yk0A3Dlpxb
— PETA UK (@PETAUK) August 6, 2015
Today, millions of children are fleeing war & persecution – facing journeys that most of us can’t imagine #tubestrikepic.twitter.com/qWTUXMCDj7
— Save the Children UK (@savechildrenuk) August 6, 2015
Cafes and cocktail bars alike were all busy trying to cash in what was after all a pretty golden opportunity for them, but this one got to the heart of the matter more directly than most.
Top tips for surviving the #tubestrike today (photo: Malcolm) -> http://t.co/9ptFiDpTUapic.twitter.com/gXrWjKccVP
— Londonist (@Londonist) August 6, 2015
But the old pros were the best for producing slick #Tubestrike-themed marketing – witness Carlsberg’s recommendation for how to use your ‘Oyster’ card today.
Here’s #ProbablyTheBest use of your tube card today #TubeStrike.Https://t.co/JhWp4eApZ8
— Carlsberg UK (@CarlsbergUK) August 5, 2015
And, by the by, thanks to this maker of hygiene products for not laboring the point:
#TubeStrike worries? Our new Surf with fragrance release technology will keep you feeling fresh for the journey home! Pic.twitter.com/YOvOm0kUYH
— Surf Laundry (@SurfLaundry) August 6, 2015
Smug cyclists–rguably a bigger irritation for most Londoners these days than the foxes that strew your garbage all over the street before the collection vans can get to it–yeah, they were out in force alright:
Wearing my favourite #tubestrike cycling jersey today to beat the rush by @foska_compic.twitter.com/lcqaAGSj4a
— a Richmond cyclist (@RichmondCyclist) August 6, 2015
You probably need to be English AND remember the 1970s to get full value from this one.
#tubestrike They've come out in sympathy!;) #yorkshirehumourpic.twitter.com/q9JmEhBjOL
— Guy Forshaw (@Supersonic70s) August 6, 2015
Ditto for this one (on a day when England’s cricketers routed old rivals Australia in the latest match between the two sides)
#Ashes latest:
Aussie batsmen 'all out' in solidarity with #tubestrikepic.twitter.com/8qjSUiU11c— Dave Smith (@DaveBlacklist) August 6, 2015
But at the end of the day, there was at least this to look forward to.
#tubestrike pub crawl – join in: http://t.co/hlu02uGOhBpic.twitter.com/oWXASsFKzj
— Standard Going Out (@ESReveller) August 6, 2015