Does the off peak period on the tube mean that you can't get on a train before 9:30 or that you can't go through the turnstyle (ticket reader gate) until after 9:30. In other words, can you be standing on the platform and be ready to catch the first train after 9:30 or do I have to wait until 9:30 to start heading downstairs to the train?

The turnstyle won't accept your ticket before 9:30 am.

Tickets are validated by the turnstiles which will not accept off-peak tickets before 0930.

If whether you're at the turnstile or on the platform at 9:30 matters to your plan, I think it might need revision.

How about a bus?

The 9:30 rule seems strictly enforced - in one incident i witnessed one ticket window refused to even sell the off-peak ticket until 9:30am and in another one, on a suburban train, the ticket taker refused to let an off-peak ticket holder thru the barrier and they ended up in a scuffle! Like Robespierre hints at it should matter little as tube service on most lines is every few minutes - what difference can it make really?

>> can you be standing on the platform and be ready to catch the first train after 9:30 or do I have to wait until 9:30 to start heading downstairs to the train? <<

Everyone has given you the correct info but just to clarify -- You have to put your ticket through the "ticket reader gate" when going in to the tube station AND when exiting. So your plan just isn't possible.

Janis - what plan?

Don't be so pedantic . . . .

His (implied) plan is "standing on the platform and be ready to catch the first train after 9:30"

Janis, Why is robes being pedantic? What exactly are you trying to clarify here?

I was trying to put together the requirement that the ticket be used upon entrance and exit with the rest of the dialogue.

But I agree that getting to the platform for the first train would involve moving pretty far pretty fast in most stations.

Andif it's the Tube why can't he/she catch the 9:35 tube - tubes every few minutes on most lines. Something is missing here in why they have to be on the 9:30 tube and not the one a few minutes later.