Using the Tube (or the London Underground, if you're not from around here) requires a certain level of understanding to avoid receiving evil glares or a "tut" from one of the many other passengers. Here are 10 tips that you might find beneficial.

1. Don't ignore the ticket barrier that says "Seek assistance". If you try and use a ticket or an Oyster card that flashes up a message, "Seek assistance", best to do so. From time to time you may have better luck on one of the other ticket barriers, but it's worth hunting down the nearest member of staff as soon as you can, so any problems with your ticket or card can be quickly addressed. Don't just keep trying it over and over again.

2. Be careful when it's wet. When it's been raining, the Tube is slippery. Shiny floors and shoes that don't grip are a bad combination, particularly in wet weather. Escalators are potentially lethal. Watch your step!

3. Don't stand on the left. When there's a long line of people standing on the right of an escalator, it's nice to have a clear path so you can walk on the left. I usually walk on the left to get a bit of exercise, and to get around the Tube that little bit faster. It is infuriating to walk partway up or down an escalator only to find you can't get any further because someone or something is blocking the way. That brings me nicely to the next point...

4. One pushchair can create an enormous queue. I certainly wouldn't want to try and use a wheelchair on the Tube, as a lot of the stations just aren't equipped for it. But you'd think that people with a pushchair would understand this too. Nope, instead they just plough on regardless. Some of the escalators are long, and taking a pushchair with you can create a massive queue. It can't be easy for you to get around the Tube with a pushchair - wouldn't it be easier to take the bus? (Thoughts welcome; I'm not sure of the best option here, but I'm not sure the Tube is the best way.)

5. Let people off before you get on. Really, it's just common courtesy, although sometimes there are so many people getting off it's hard to know when you'll be able to get on. But it's going to be a lot slower if everyone gets on before everyone else gets off.

6. Don't try and pull the doors open. If the doors are closing or they have just closed, don't try and get on or off the train. I've actually seen someone trying to pull the doors open from outside. They succeeded, but didn't get on because one of the Tube staff was quite patiently asking them to stop. It's for your own safety really.

7. If loads of people get on but there's another train in 1 minute, it's ok to wait for the next one. I've seen this a lot - a huge crowd of people swarm onto an already-busy train. The result: a very crowded train. Check when the next train is coming - if it'll be there in 1 or 2 minutes, it may be quieter. You do have to get on at some point, and they might all be pretty busy, but this tip has worked for me on a number of occasions - it's worth a shot.

8. Move right down inside the car. With so many people getting on, it's important to make use of the available space. Don't just get on and stand by the door if there's room in front of the seats and other people are getting on behind you. I've seen people who block the empty walkways and force everyone to stand in a big crowd just to get on. A bit silly if you ask me.

9. The driver won't wait for you to sit down. If you get a seat, sit down right away - don't mess around with your coat, bag or hair. I've seen plenty of people who end up sitting on the person next to them because the train set off just as they were sitting down.

10. Hold on! The Tube can be a jerky ride, particularly when it starts and stops, but there can be plenty of bumps along the way. If you can, hold on. There are people who seem to be able to stand without holding on, but if you're not sure you can do it, don't take the risk.

Image credit: Knivesout.

Do you have any tips for the Tube? Is there anything that you find particularly annoying?

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