What Is The Best Tube Line? (World Cup Review 2020)

In October/November of 2020 I ran the 'World Cup of Tube Lines' knockout poll on my Twitter for the fourth year in a row, it's always just done for fun except this year I realised that I'd collected a lot of data which could be used to analyse, and perhaps come up with the ultimate ranking to determine what IS the favourite line on the Tube Map!
Huge thanks to Matt Parker, you can follow and subscribe to him on KZbin here: / standupmaths
Also many thanks to hellgunneR, and of course Kishan and David for their work on the website that they made!
"The line graphs were a major collaborative exercise", they told me, "we first made a simple server that tracked the results which needed the poll links to manually entered, then we hooked into the API and Geoff's twitter feed and started tracing them automatically. It was a great two weeks and we look forward to next year!"
You can still find the brilliant website that they built here: gum-joe.github.io/tube-world-...
Nerds rule! :-D

[@geofftech2]

When i sent the spreadsheet to Matt, i am embarrased to admit that i did NOT used the correct RGB values in the spreadsheet, i just chose close-enough ones from the palette in Excel. of course if i'd have know that matt was going to LIGHT UP HIS CHRISTMAS TREE IN TUBE COLOURS! i would have got them correct! anyway, if you want to know what they are, you can download the TfL Colour Standards Document here: content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-colour-standards-issue04.pdf

[@xander1052]

Hey Geoff, could you make your spreadsheet public? I'd like to try and do my own analysis with all of the data available. (and I expect others would like to as well)

[@namelast2985]

Geoff you forgot the most important mode of transport in London : The BUS!!!!!!

[@xander1052]

@@namelast2985 not on the TFL map mate

[@cityuser]

@@namelast2985 Yeah, BUS, you're not welcome around these parts

[@dennis8196]

Eat them with a knob of butter @geoff Marshall.

[@david65219]

Petition to replace Jeremy Vine and his swingometer with Matt and his Christmas tree for all election coverage

[@adamcglawrance]

really made me laugh

[@oyst]

I absolutely love the cereal brands. And the "A natural source of B1:B12" on Matt's box is fantastic!

[@gh1851]

I love Matt's LED Christmas tree. That's the best thing ever!

[@brian9731]

The cleverest thing is getting the lights to do that thing. The way he crunches the numbers is great but the circuitry - now THAT'S a good trick!

[@perman17]

Pop over to his StandUpMaths channel. He's got a whole video about programming those Christmas lights.

[@rosiefay7283]

One thing I especially liked is that he draped the lights any old how around the tree, then did some trickery to calculate _where each light was_ in 3 dimensions.

[@dennis8196]

@@rosiefay7283 he didn't, he had someone do it with him, he did the basics and outlined his initial target. It's no different to how a lot of 3D modeling is done.

[@ncandrew9159]

“My tree just updated“...most Matt Parker thing to say ever...😂

[@benscrumhalf]

Central line being so central even in the rankings - You've got to appreciate that.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Geoff making an Excel Sheet for Tube Lines is a personality type and I am it 😂

[@MrFiver1111]

Custom Spreadsheet for ExCeL

[@westcheap]

12:48 Ah yes, my favorite breakfast spreadsheet cereal, Excelios. A good source of vitamins B1:B12 and made with 100% whole grain floats.

[@M1CAE1.]

My reasons for picking each line: Jubilee - Very useful for getting to Wembley Victoria - Speeeeeeed DLR - Front Seat Nostalgia + I volunteer at a kayaking centre in South Quay Northern - Quickest way to Euston for me. Overground - Pink readers + My route of choice to Stanstead District - I live on it Piccadilly - Cockfosters (Immaturity 100) Met - Had stop skippers, would be nice if they just did everyone a favour and extend it to Tower Hill Central - Loop de loop Circle - Stops at the same station twice Bakerloo - Uhhhh idk W&C - Memes Tfl Rail - Family live on it H&C - Quickest way to Kings X for me Trams - They're trams Cable Car - Big floating box on wires, why not?

[@markmillett6540]

And the O2 for Jubilee

[@icantthinkofausername3572]

Bakerloo oldest trains on the network

[@absolutereigns8531]

Bakerloo-Best chairs

[@nickmiller76]

The Bakerloo line trains are disgusting, like going back to the fifties.

[@Someone36991]

Bakerloo - reminds me of bakers and bread/cake

[@haraldselke]

This is so awesome! As long as there are people doing stuff like this - from the idea to participating in the polls to the analysis to lighting the Christmas tree based on the reults to the services advertising themselves to secure the win - I am convinced that all will be well. The world needs more of this.

[@ChrisCoombes]

When the tree updated I almost spat out my tea!

[@thekopian]

1st - Victoria (I know its a modern and relatively shorter line but I am always amazed by how punctual and frequent the trains are) Last - Central (always late, irregular and packed - it is an extremely mismanaged line with dingy, dirty coaches)

[@thekentishtrainspotter3052]

Thanks for the videos through the hard times we’ve had this year Geoff!

[@misugaby70]

Hi, I discovered you shortly after I visited London, two years ago. I've been following you ever since, and thanks to you, I learned a lot about the London Underground and I was fascinated by it. I'm also following you due to the fact that I want to learn English better (and how else, if not from an Englishman). Keep doing what you do, I like it. I didn't quite understand some stations as they are marked on the map, for example Waterloo or Embakment have connecting tunnels for other lines (some circles joined together). I wish you many achievements in the coming year and a warm Happy New year !! or in my mother tongue La multi ani!! from Romania.

[@MegKBaker]

Loved taking part in this on twitter. It was great too vote for your favourite The interactive tree matt has is amazing too I gotta say I love the DLR or Cable Car for TFL but for the 11 underground lines I do love the Metropolitan of District

[@itsmaiken]

everytime i think ive seen everything thats interesting on this channel, youtube goes and recommends me another banger of a video! thank you so much geoff!

[@fabulousf.2583]

Metropolitan, because of the beautiful landscape and I have to catch it for school 😂😂😂

[@posttowersucksbigblackcoff6419]

met is better than the overrated af victoria line

[@fosterfuchs]

Piccadilly Line The first time I came to London (as a student from Germany), I stayed with a family for a couple of weeks who lived closest to Arnos Grove. Now that I live in the United States, I regularly fly to Heathrow on business. I prefer to stay at one of the hotels near Hounslow Central. Even if I only need to change terminals at Heathrow (2 to 5 or vv), if I have the time I go landside just so I can take the short (complimentary) ride on the Piccadilly Line. Also, still the same rolling stock as during my first visit to London in 1983.

[@xtrapolis954m]

This is brilliant. Thank you Geoff. (:

[@het_gele_teken]

love the dedication Geoff and nice collab-video, again. Thumbs up!

[@AbsoluteTVYT]

Thanks for the hard work you put into this! It was soo much fun working on the site and API to visualise the cup! - David Wheatley

[@gillchatfield3231]

Brilliant! Glad I found Matt's video on how his tree lights work yesterday. And pleased he's found a good use for all that effort 😂

[@anthonylloyd6094]

District Line gets my vote primarily because I can take my full size bike anywhere on the line.

[@gypsymuffinABZ]

Great video Geoff! I love Matt’s Xmas tree! 10:42 that is amazing. Weetabix dry for me.

[@bartholomewgander540]

I love those crossover episodes between youtubers I regularly watch :D

[@Nnnagoya]

Personally, Victoria Line no doubt. Frequent and high-speed service between northern and southern London. Very few stops.

[@gwynnej3]

Brilliant mix of several niche, not to say nerdy, subjects. Wonderful!

[@PetertheRock.]

This is truly marvellous! I've been an Excel fan since the 90s, and to see that there is a chap on the web who presents info, is a revelation! Of course as Geoff and Matt say, there are different ideas what criteria to use, but still - it's fascinating!

[@lapiswake6583]

Excellent video. Loved the analysis, loved Matt appearing (plus tree), and of course the cereal boxes too. I went on the train today for the first time since september, since my mental health has been getting me down, and ticked off 3 new stations, bringing my total so far to 242 mainline stations. 59 so far in 2020 (48 pre-pandemic, 8 in august, 3 today), against 89 for the whole of 2019. Also I've now made it to all 60 tyne and wear metro stations, but still only 51 tube stations under my belt, and 0 for the glasgow subway...

[@ZGryphon]

Ha, and Techmoan thought there was no practical use for those LED trees. :) I love that the actual railways got involved in this, mostly because these days I'll clutch at any indication that whimsy has not completely gone from the everyday world.

[@andrewatherton316]

What fruits a fantastic piece of whimsy has borne! Four year's fantasy tube data; some serious but playful numerical analysis; competition from tube operators bordering on match fixing; collaboration from programmers; new friendships formed; resulting in Christmas tree lighting linked to Excel worksheets. (I have died and gone to heaven!) You can switch on my Christmas lights any year (that is not a euphemism!) 2020 might have been a nightmare for many but in some respects it has brought us closer together with warmth, friendship and fun. I will be looking forward to the opening of the 2021 Twitter polls.

[@connellylawcoprusjuris4408]

Tube info, and math - Geek overload love it thank you. May 2021 be a great year for you all - hey we can only go up from here.

[@terminx7841]

Being a TFL Rail user makes me cry, look what they done to my boy

[@Sim0nTrains]

Mind The Wheet! Honestly I barley did see that one coming, doesn't matter how you can sugar the puns up! :p That was a brilliant interesting video and a wonderful Collab. But Victoria Line still my favourite Tube line!

[@Gadarinco]

I remember commenting on one of your videos about the jubilee line stock traction motors 😂 generally i really like the jubilee line as a whole. Im from Finland but i've been on every line apart from tfl rail. Good video Geoff!

[@craig.bryant]

Jubilee and DLR for me. I love the DLR’s light rail in the sky feel!

[@RainbowCharms58]

I’m so glad I’m not alone in voting for the Jubilee just because of its sound!

[@bipbipletucha]

Without a doubt the best motor sounds on the network!

[@youngwii]

I too love the Jubilee motor sounds; however, I for one would have voted Jubilee because of the modern stations with platform doors.

[@CosmocraftGaming]

yep, the exact reason why Jubilee is my favourite as well, Central line came a close 2nd imo :D

[@RainbowCharms58]

Beepbeep Lettuce Agreed! Although I do personally enjoy the S Stock motor sounds almost as much...

[@theofficialpringles]

@@bipbipletucha 100% best motor sounds, and the routes jubilee goes are the best

[@telemachus53]

Overground for me - it's so much more exciting. When you get on you're never quite sure where you'll end up.

[@timothynixon9437]

As an retired Metropolitan line driver, Its got to be the Met...

[@janscattergood7294]

Love the spreadsheet (love a good spreadsheet) with the tree and lights!! Fab idea. x

[@andrewpalm2103]

As a retired mathematician who also used spreadsheets and who also dabbles in microcontrollers as a hobby, excellent job, Matt! Nothing better than having a conjunction of vocation and one or more avocations. Cheers from Wisconsin.

[@fosterfuchs]

Those final 3 standings reminded me of the discrepancy between the different college sport Top 25 rankings.

[@mrbojangles8133]

happy New Year Geoff and everyone watching

[@AaronD_]

Amazing video, always love them.

[@charliechaz1982]

I live near the District line and it deserves kudos for covering such a large area with different end points. But other than that the Bakerloo is the only line left that still interests me with it's old school '72 stock the only charm left on the Underground. I use District, Jubilee and Central the most regularly.

[@AnaPaula-oq3hp]

I've missed London.. My favorite tube line is Hammersmith/Barking because I lived close the Aldgate East. Love London.. Happy New Year Geoff! Thank you so much for the your videos. This make me happy.

[@Castlebank_Sidings]

Central. Many happy memories of going to work with my grandad when I was little. He was a driver at Hainault.

[@gisar.6539]

Same! I grew up in White City, Du Cane Road to be exact and I could see the Central line pass by my window every day. I lived right next to the train tracks. It was my local line

[@dominicstower5396]

This video really helps me with my A level maths 😂😊🙌 thanks Geoff's friend

[@kabongpope]

Yes, Geoff and Matt! Best mashup ever

[@kaslon05]

Mathup

[@jacobporrett]

Very interesting Geoff. Thank you for sharing.

[@PaulPlowman1]

Nerdy KZbin is what has kept me going this year.

[@Luigi90900]

GTR getting on board with the World Cup is the best thing I’ve seen in ages 😆

[@hartstukken]

I REMEMBER THINKING ABOUT WHAT THIS MAN'S FAVOURITE LINE IS YESTERDAY HAHA BRILLIANT!!!

[@ianthomson9363]

If I had to vote on my favourite line (not having a Twitter account, it's unlikely but never mind), it would be the Bakerloo. My reason for this is because the trains smell as Tube trains should- a mixture of sparks and coal dust from the tunnels.

[@swiper1818]

Superb video👍 my favourite is the Piccadilly line as it takes me to and from Heathrow via some superb locations in London

[@Jwm367t]

This is hilarious for me as I used to work nearby Warren Street but stayed in Woolwich Arsenal. So everyday I had to use the DLR, Jubilee and Victoria Lines.

[@richard99cookify]

Central Line for me Geoff. Happy New Year!

[@Shungabali]

That Christmas tree is just genious!

[@rickyzuc]

Can someone explain to me why the Victoria?!?!?! It’s entirely underground (nothing to see), the trains are always jam packed and is only a modest length. For me it’s all about the Met, fantastic history - majority above ground with a contrast of London City, Suburban and even countryside surroundings - with a good amount of little branch lines. Similarly the Piccadilly is a fantastic line, amazing tube stock, stops at a lot of great tourist destinations and it’s stations too have a varied/interesting architecture.

[@posttowersucksbigblackcoff6419]

agreed vic line is overrated af

[@BusDriverLife]

Even though I don’t know much about TFL or the Tube..this is so interesting!!

[@everofficial746]

Mine is the jubilee line , as I love the sound of the trains motor and I love the stations!

[@LeafLeafy]

Bakerloo! So stylish and mysterious!

[@thethreerailwayengines825]

My favourite's the Northern line. I don't live in London but my Grandpa does and his local station is on the northern line so it's the line we used the most

[@danielangelov5070]

Nice video Geoff My favourite tube lines are the Waterloo & city line is my favourite Deep level tube line and My favourite tube line and my favourite Subsurface line is the Hammersmith & City Line yay

[@traintastictrains3632]

Excellent video as always Geoff, the Jubilee Line version of those Tubeabix’s must be high in fibre (optic Wi-Fi cables)

[@InstaSim6]

The second you said Spreadsheet, I immediately thought of Matt from StandUpMaths, and then he ends up being in the video 🤪

[@DreamsAreMakeBelieve]

Matt: If anyone wants to see how I wired up my tree... Me, a nerd: desperately

[@DaVane]

Great collab!

[@regional4221]

I love the three-phase 1998 stock sound

[@LisaMarli]

I love you nerds. That was fun.

[@fiddley]

How the Jubilee always does so well is unfathomable. I guess some people just have no taste.

[@zenthemanchild]

What’s wrong with it?

[@billysmith9480]

Excellent video

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance!

[@HenrysAdventures]

I'd love to see a World Cup of UK Tram networks!

[@goldencabbage45]

two of my favourite people in one video

[@dollfairytopia]

I love the Piccadilly line

[@yuls_minki]

I live on the Northern Line, it's good to see that my line has a lot of love (even though it's so long)!

[@humphreychannel582]

I was thinking of many different ways of ranking using the data from this. Next time you hold this try possible doing groups first either by lumping 3 or 4 lines in the same poll with the top 2 moving through or even doing the 3 or 6 different 1 on 1 matches in the groups and then top 2 moving through. Then you will get to see how they rank against more than 1 on 1s.

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

In the future, will the current TfL Rail numbers be transferred to the TfL Cross Elizabeth Rail Line … or will both appear jointly (albeit separately) in future overall-rankings?

[@martineyles]

I love the cable car. 2nd best views on the tube map. Of course, the best views on the tube map are from the boat (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers), which clearly has many stations marked, and should be in the next contest! A route I have taken a couple of times (generally in November) is Marylebone to Baker Street on foot, Jubilee line to Green Park, on foot to Westminster, boat to North Greenwich/Emirates Greenwich Peninsula, Cable Car to Emirates Royal Docks/Royal Victoria then DLR to Custom House for ExCeL. I suppose that the cross-purple-elizabeth-rail-line will be a more efficient mode for that journey when it opens, and I may well take it for the novelty.

[@PlanesTrainsFan]

Jubilee Line, great train sounds, great route and modern design.

[@ih82r8]

I want a poll for: If you could only ride one tube line, one time, which would it be and why? If a traveler stops over in London long enough to ride only one, or if it's the only one to ride before you die, etc etc. Which one??

[@davidstone408]

Interesting to see how Crossrail enter the race in future years. Great use of Excel

[@Moggster23]

Fair play Thameslink and DLR! 👍

[@walkingtheboogie]

The Northern Line as it always ran during strike action and I use to catch it from Waterloo to Euston when I worked in Harrow and Wealdstone.

[@shaunpierce4174]

The metro system in Santiago, Chile is excellent. I went there 2 1/2 years ago and was very impressed.

[@harrygrieves6812]

My favourite one is the Piccadilly line because it’s full of Charles Holdens history.

[@samsungw200]

Coolest Christmas tree ever :-)

[@chubbchubb9443]

Any chance of expanding this to other light rail and rapid transit systems, or are you scared of the Glasgow Subway just railroading all the inferior London lines?

[@gpan62]

What criteria did you use? Comfort? On time? Crowding? Station amenities? Usefulness of route?

[@myanpatel9379]

Can you do some review on the new TFL GO app for your next video?

[@SkateGeneva]

Matt Parker is amazing

[@stephenlittle7534]

How Cool was that. My daily work train was the Bakerloo. 😂. New in Dawlish Devon.

[@trainarchive]

My favourite is the central and northern line. I also like the met line.

[@CitizensAreaTransit]

Definitely the Bakerloo, there’s just something about it that’s so charming

[@rikkiinnit]

I really really really really really really really really really (got your attention i hope) you can tell me if Every cross rail station (outside of zone 1) will have a purple roundel??

[@stephendines1936]

Nice one Geoff.

[@andyhill242]

Love Matt's tubeotree, coding and maths, 2 of my weaker points, these days the only coding I do is around a couple of hundred lines of the Linux Kernel and maths, I leave to my research assistants, well they've got to do some work for their PhD.s

[@brawlstarsmomentsandvideos6530]

I like circle line and jubilee line! Hi Geoff!

[@skyscraperdata2518]

What's my favorite tube line? The Victoria line of couse with the Northern line in 2nd and Central line in 3rd

[@nixcails]

Can we do this for stations on the current London & South East Rail Map. I'd like to nominate Exeter St Thomas, Stapleton Road and Lawrence Hill as they aren't in the Network card area nor the South East