So, how do you answer “Is it running today?”? Follow my three-step system. Step one: open Twitter and search for “Waterloo & City line.” If the most recent tweet is a photo of a dark tunnel with the caption “fml,” it’s not running. Step two: check the TfL app. If it shows a red cross, accept your fate and go above ground. Step three: if all else fails, walk. I promise, walking through the City of London is less stressful than waiting for a train that may or may not exist.
In the grand scheme of things, the Waterloo & City line is a magical, infuriating, beloved little beast. It moves 55,000 people every day through a dark tube that’s smaller than most living rooms. It has no stations between its two ends, meaning you can’t escape once you’re on. It’s a commitment. So next time you ask, “Is it running today?”, remember: it’s a moody teenager with a heart of gold and a terrible Wi-Fi signal. Take a deep breath, check your app, and if it’s not running — well, you’ve got legs. Use them.
