【明報專訊】The London Underground (fondly nicknamed the Tube by Londoners) does not compare very favourably with its counterparts in other big cities. Some stations look clean, shiny and comfy, especially those in the more idyllic and affluent locations, but many look rundown like some deserted old factories. The seats are covered in fabric, hard to maintain and easy to wear and tear, and they sometimes carry such dubious stains that put off the most tired commuters. The lack of air-conditioning is a long-standing complaint. And, as one pro-Beijing writer dutifully reminds us, once the train zooms underground, internet connection is lost.