The fares on the main lines which accommodate the suburban traffic are somewhat higher than on the underground, perhaps 50 per cent. more.  In every case, on omnibus, tram cars or railroads, the rates are charged according to distance.  The system such as in use on our electric, cable and horse cars and on the elevated road in New York, of charging a fixed fare, is not in use anywhere.

The ticket offices of the underground roads are generally on a level with the street.  In some instances both the uptown and downtown trains are approached from one entrance, but generally there is an entrance at either side of the railroad, similar to the elevated railroad system.  In purchasing a ticket, the destination, number of the class, and whether it is a single or return ticket have to be given.  The passenger then descends by generally well lighted stairways to the station below, and his ticket is punched by the man at the gate.  He then has to be careful about two things; first, to place himself on that part of the platform where the particular class which he wishes to take stops, and secondly, to get on to the right train.  In the formation of the train the first class coaches are placed in the center, the second and third class respectively at the front and rear end.  There are signs which indicate where passengers are to wait, according to the class.  There is a sign at the front end of the engine, which to those initiated sufficiently indicates the destination of the train.  The trains are also called out, and at some stations there is an obscure indicator which also gives the desired information.  The stations are from imperfectly to well lighted, generally from daylight which sifts down from the smoky London atmosphere through the openings above.  The length of the train averages about eight carriages of four compartments, each compartment holding ten persons, making a carrying capacity of 320 passengers.  The equipment of the cars is very inferior.  The first class compartments are upholstered and cushioned in blue cloth, the second class in a cheaper quality, while most of the third class compartments have absolutely nothing in the way of a cushion or covering either on the seat or back, and are little better than cattle pens.  The width of the compartment is so narrow that the feet can easily be placed on the opposite seat, that is, a very little greater distance than would be afforded by turning two of our seats face to face.  The length of the compartment, which is the width of the car, is about a foot and a half less than the width of our passenger cars, about equal to our freight cars.  Each compartment is so imperfectly lighted by a single lamp put into position through the top of the car that it is almost impossible to read.