King of the line

To travel from Winnersh Triangle to Canary Wharf (and back again) with maximum efficiency avoiding all the human traffic black spots all you need to do is follow these simple instructions.

At Winnersh Triangle you want to go to the very far end of platform 2 (check as you do that the train will have the expected 8 carriages on the overhead display. If it only has 4, wait at the "4 car stop sign). Reading is the end of the line, so being at the head of the train will get you out first. Stand to the side of the doors. On the 02 trains you want to be at the left of the train, the 32 on the right (general rule, doesn't always work). On arrival at Reading you should be first off, onto the concourse, hugging the wall to the steps, up and over with a quick glance at the monitors to discover whether you need platform 5 or 8.

Platform 5 requires you to loop back on yourself and keep an eye on the floor for a yellow arrow. Stand about 4 paces before that point, and the door for standard class will stop right in front of you. Position yourself just to the right of the door as it opens to the left effectively blocking anyone there. Open the door to let the alighting passengers off, then be the first on to the train.

On platform 8 the trains stop earlier than on 5, so you need to head further up the platform. There is a mind the gap painted onto the floor just before you reach opposite WH Smiths. This is where to wait. You'll now be in the same position as platform 5 door wise.

On entering the train you have a choice. Risk it all for a seat (if you lose you will be stood in the most uncomfortable position between the seats deep in the carriage), or head to the buffet. I head to the buffet. Somewhere to lean, a surface to put things on. If things are really cramped, go just beyond the buffet to the point just before the door into the kitchen. There are some bars to lean on, and a nice view.

As you approach Paddington you will notice a series of numbers on the wall. Small yellow disks counting down from over 4000. When these reach the 1200s set off to the front of the train. You should reach the front without hassle just before all the first class passengers stand up. Best to hang in the middle here, let someone else claim the door post. It is pretty much 50/50 as to which door will have the platform. Let someone else make the call and you will be off second.

On exit, head straight across the concourse to the underground. If the gates are shut, bear left, outside, stay left and go round the corner at the top, there are alternative stairs down there that will get you ahead of the crowd. Once down, head onto the Bakerloo platform, use the second entrance, and keep left heading down the platform. As you move down you'll see the wall jut out and a maintenance door, just beyond this are 4 seats. Stand opposite the fourth seat. The train doors will open in front of you. Head straight across the carriage and stand to the left of the opposite door.

At Baker Street you'll be immediately opposite a short passage to the Jubilee line. Stay left, and head down the platform a short way until you are directly opposite the first of 2 posters towards the end of the platform. The first set of double doors in the last carriage will open in front of you. You want to stay as near to these doors as possible to ensure you are the first out and up the escalator in front of you at Canary Wharf.

Return is reverse, hit the first set of double doors you get to on the first carriage of the Jubilee line. At Baker Street you need to traverse the longer passage way and then head half way down the platform. You will see an underground roundell next to a line map. You should stand directly opposite this roundell, and stay by those doors on the train. This will ensure prime position at Paddington and allow you to lead the crush for the escalator. The train from London is up to you, but you want to be at the front of the last carriage at Reading, at the left hand door to be straight off. You then want the very front of the train to Winnersh Triangle. And your back. Simple eh?!