Originally Posted by
LapLap
During exceptionally busy times in London, commuters are often asked to stand on both sides of the escalators. So no, not a Tokyo only phenomenon.
I've noticed that the advice on how to be considerate differs in the two cities:
In London, posters ask travelers to show consideration by standing on the right. ("A little courtesy won't hurt you" is the godawful slogan on one of those posters, I think). By contrast, in Tokyo, the emphasis is on showing consideration by not racing up the escalator and weaving in and out of the people who are standing.
London Underground etiquette posters have really dropped in quality IMHO. Very badly conceived - I'm not the only one to have noticed:
http://www.mhpbooks.com/london-under...rs-and-poetry/