從基礎的交通建設，便可一窺城市文化。在英國搭乘捷運與公車後，倫敦的地鐵和雙層紅色公車令人印象深刻。對大多數倫敦旅人而言，首選交通工具是地鐵系統「Tube」（英國人亦稱Underground）。倫敦地鐵於1863年開始營運，歷史悠久，涵蓋11條主要路線，從最古老的1863年Metropolitan線到最新的1979年Jubilee線，承載百年歷史。
A city’s culture can be glimpsed through its basic transportation infrastructure. After riding the metro and buses in the UK, London’s Underground and iconic double-decker red buses left a deep impression. For most travelers in London, the preferred transport is the metro system, known as the “Tube” (or Underground). Operating since 1863, the London Underground is steeped in history, comprising 11 main lines, from the oldest Metropolitan line of 1863 to the newest Jubilee line of 1979, carrying a century of legacy.
【不平整的倫敦地鐵】
在倫敦搭乘地鐵後發現，除少數主要大型車站配有完整電梯與手扶梯外，多數地鐵站需步行2至3層樓高的樓梯才能抵達深層地下月台。這或許因二戰期間地鐵曾作為防空洞或指揮所的歷史因素，但對行動不便者與老年人來說，實在不太方便。此外，倫敦地鐵雖線路完善，但月台高度規劃不足，即便在同一條線路上，各站月台與車廂間的高低落差不一，有的僅10公分，有的卻達30公分。上下月台需格外小心，特別在人潮擁擠時，容易絆倒。
相較之下，台北捷運規劃先進，每站月台平整無高低落差，且均配備電梯與手扶梯，方便老人、幼兒及行動不便者順利搭乘，值得讚許。
不過，倫敦地鐵也有其獨特優點。雖然不如台北捷運整潔舒適、配有空調與電梯，但因其早期建築，每個車站散發獨特的英式風情，保留二戰時期的歷史痕跡，見證英國地鐵百年發展的歷史魅力。
The Uneven London Underground
Riding the London Underground revealed that, except for a few major stations with full elevators and escalators, most stations require climbing 2 to 3 flights of stairs to reach deep underground platforms. This may stem from their historical use as air-raid shelters or command posts during World War II, but it’s inconvenient for those with mobility issues or the elderly. Additionally, despite its comprehensive network, the Underground lacks consistent platform leveling. Even on the same line, platform-to-train height gaps vary, from 10 cm to 30 cm, requiring extra caution to avoid tripping, especially in crowded conditions.
In contrast, Taipei’s MRT is impressively advanced, with level platforms eliminating height gaps and elevators/escalators at every station, ensuring accessibility for the elderly, children, and those with mobility challenges—a commendable feature.
However, the London Underground has its charms. Though less clean and comfortable than Taipei’s air-conditioned, elevator-equipped MRT, its early architecture gives each station a distinct British character, preserving traces of World War II and showcasing a century of transit history.
【相似台灣捷運的倫敦公車系統】
建議在倫敦搭乘地鐵（Tube）與雙層紅色公車時，務必購買Oyster卡，類似台灣的悠遊卡，可享最高五折優惠，且進出站更方便。購買Oyster卡需支付£5英鎊押金，卡內餘額£10英鎊以內可退還現金。旅人離開前記得前往地鐵站辦理退款。
在倫敦旅程後半段，我改搭雙層紅色公車，不得不讚嘆其優越性，堪稱媲美台北捷運系統。這也是台北公車系統值得借鏡之處。
London’s Bus System, Comparable to Taipei’s MRT
When using London’s Underground (Tube) and double-decker red buses, I highly recommend purchasing an Oyster card, similar to Taiwan’s EasyCard, offering up to 50% fare discounts and seamless entry/exit. The Oyster card requires a £5 deposit, with balances up to £10 refundable in cash. Travelers should remember to get a refund at a Tube station before leaving.
In the latter part of my London trip, I switched to the double-decker red buses and was impressed by their excellence, rivaling Taipei’s MRT system. This is an area where Taipei’s bus system could draw inspiration.
倫敦雙層公車的優點如下：
- 發車頻率高，約3-5分鐘一班，與地鐵的發車間隔相當。
Advantages of London’s double-decker buses:
- Frequent service, with buses arriving every 3-5 minutes, comparable to the Underground’s schedule.
倫敦雙層公車的優點如下：
2. 所有雙層公車均為低底盤設計，上車落差僅約20公分，第一層方便老人、幼兒及行動不便者輕鬆上下車。
2. All double-decker buses are low-floor models, with a step height of about 20 cm, making the first deck easily accessible for the elderly, children, and those with mobility challenges.
3. 行車速度不快，約20-40公里/小時，搭乘時無台北公車常見的強烈晃動或突然加速的不適感，感覺更安全穩定。
3. Traveling at a moderate speed of about 20-40 km/h, the ride feels smooth and stable, without the jolting or sudden acceleration often experienced on Taipei buses, reducing discomfort and the risk of falling.
倫敦雙層公車的優點如下：
4. 所有雙層公車均採用油電混合動力，行車速度低於10公里/小時時，引擎噪音極低，排氣也更環保。
5. 第一層設有優先座位，寬敞舒適，專為行動不便者及帶小孩的婦女設計。
6. 公車站牌及車廂內配有完整的電子LED螢幕，清楚顯示發車時間及到站站名。
4. All double-decker buses are hybrid electric, producing minimal engine noise at speeds below 10 km/h and emitting more eco-friendly exhaust.
5. The first deck features spacious, comfortable priority seats reserved for those with mobility issues and women with children.
6. Bus stops and interiors are equipped with clear electronic LED screens displaying departure times and station names.
7. 外觀為標誌性的紅色古典造型，內部座椅採用絲絨材質，兼具美感與舒適，且無台北公車座椅常見的異味。雙層公車行駛於街頭，成為倫敦的城市特色。
7. Sporting an iconic red, classic design, the buses feature velvet seats that are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, free from the odd smells often found on Taipei bus seats. These double-deckers cruising the streets form a distinctive part of London’s cityscape.
【對台灣公車系統的期許】
未來，台北市政府若針對內湖線計畫修改車廂設計，或規劃興建輕軌以紓解交通壓力時，值得反思過去二十年台灣政府全力發展捷運系統的歷程。或許因捷運帶動的龐大房地產利益，捷運發展無可置疑，但也間接導致台北公車系統的進展停滯不前。
Expectations for Taiwan’s Bus System
As Taipei’s city government plans to redesign bus interiors for the Neihu Line or build a light rail to ease traffic in the future, it’s worth reflecting on the past two decades of Taiwan’s focus on developing its MRT system. While the MRT’s growth, driven partly by significant real estate interests, is undeniable, it has indirectly caused stagnation in Taipei’s bus system.
台北公車在夏天常有異味，乘坐品質不如台北捷運，尤其在上下班尖峰時段，人潮擁擠，公車急停或晃動帶來不安全感，存在諸多不足。我們很少思考除捷運外是否能透過其他方式改善交通，為台北公車系統創造進步空間。或許可借鏡倫敦雙層紅色公車，相較於台灣過去二十年耗費巨資發展捷運系統，公車改善不需高額預算即可緩解市區交通擁擠。
民眾需要的是一個平穩、便捷，且對老人、幼兒及行動不便者友善的公車系統，如同台北捷運般安心、優質、舒適地服務大眾。
文章刊登於： 【風傳媒】- 英國倫敦交通雜談 網址：https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/231986
Taipei’s buses often have odors in summer and offer a lower ride quality than the MRT. During rush hours, overcrowding and abrupt stops or jolts create an unsafe experience, revealing numerous shortcomings. We rarely consider alternatives beyond the MRT to improve transportation and advance Taipei’s bus system. Drawing inspiration from London’s double-decker red buses, which require less investment than Taiwan’s costly MRT expansion over the past two decades, could help alleviate urban traffic congestion.
The public needs a smooth, convenient bus system that accommodates the elderly, children, and those with mobility challenges, delivering the same reliable, high-quality, and comfortable service as Taipei’s MRT.
Published in: 【Storm Media】- Musings on London’s Transportation Website: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/231986
