So forgive me, but the amazing picture above is actually from the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail project). Technically not a 'Tube' at all, but a railway that travels underground for much of it's route, and the trains and carriages are completely different from London Underground stock. Anyway, it's incredible, it's very much happened (albeit it extremely late and hugely over budget) and so earns an honourable place on the site.
|
VISIONARIES/
|
KEn LIVINGSTONE (1945- present)
Served as the Leader of the Greater London Council (GLC) from 1981 until the council was abolished in 1986, and as Mayor of London from the creation of the office in 2000 until 2008. He was a strong advocate for the London Underground and worked to improve its infrastructure and accessibility.
During his time in office he approved Crossrail, legalised busking and banned smoking on the tube after the Kings Cross fire. He was instrumental in expanding the city's public transportation system, and introduced the congestion charge, which helped to reduce traffic in the city centre and encourage the use of public transportation. Livingstone's legacy in London's transportation system is still felt today, as the Tube remains a vital and growing part of the city's infrastructure. |
LORD HENDY OF RICHMOND HILL
|
RoMaNO 'ROland' Paoletti (1931-2013)ARCHITECT
British-Italian architect best known for his work on the early stations for Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway, and for commissioning the award-winning designs of the stations of London Underground's Jubilee Line Extension, including Westminster, Canary Wharf, Waterloo and Canning Town. Described by the Architectural Review as "the Medici of London Transport" and awarded a CBE for his work.
|
SIR NORMAN FOSTER (1935-present)ARCHITECT
Mastermind of the 'cathedral-like' grand showpiece of the Jubilee Line Extension; Canary Wharf, which transformed access to the Docklands in the era before the completion of the Elizabeth Line.
The only station outside of Zone 1 to be ranked within the top-ten most used, and remains the only Tube station to accommodate it's huge rush hour demand. Assisted by architect Howard Carter on the new ticket hall for Waterloo Jubilee Line, and Dean Street Crossrail station. |
BORIS JOHNSON (1964-present)POLITICIAN
During his tenure as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson was heavily involved in the London Underground and the Tube. He championed the extension of the Jubilee Line and the construction of the Crossrail project, which aimed to improve transportation in the city However, his decision to close ticket offices and introduce driverless trains was met with criticism and strikes from the unions. Despite this, Johnson remained committed to improving the Tube and making it more efficient for commuters.
He also got the 24 hour tube going and banned drinking on the Underground too. |
MIKE BROWN (1964 - PRESENT)TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE
Mike Brown served as the Commissioner of Transport for London from 2015 to 2020. During his time at Transport for London, Brown oversaw the operation of the London Underground, which carries over 5 million passengers each day.He was responsible for a number of major projects, including the introduction of the Night Tube and the extension of the Northern Line. Brown also worked to improve accessibility on the Tube, introducing new step-free stations and upgrading existing ones.
|
SADIQ KHAN (1970 - present)POLITICIAN
Sadiq Khan is the current Mayor of London and has been in office since 2016. As Mayor, he has been a vocal advocate for public transportation, including the Tube. Khan has worked to improve accessibility on the Tube, introducing step-free access at a number of stations and investing in new trains and infrastructure. He has also introduced the 'hopper fare', which allows passengers to take unlimited bus and tram journeys within an hour for a single fare.
He has also increased the congestion charge zone and fees as well as introducing charging within the Ultra Low Emission Zone driving more people off the road s and back onto public transport. |
Andy Byford (1965 -present)TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE
Head of TfL from 2020 until 2022, Andy Byford is a transportation executive who has worked extensively in the public transportation sector, including serving as the CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission and the President of the New York City Transit Authority. In 2020, he was appointed as the new Commissioner of Transport for London, which oversees the Tube and other transportation systems in the city. Byford has a reputation for improving transit systems and has promised to prioritise safety, reliability, and accessibility in his role at Transport for London.
|
SIDDY HOLLOWAY (1992-PRESENT)TFL ENGAGEMENT MANAGER, ACTOR & PRESENTER
Siddy Holloway, TfL's Engagement Manager plays a pivotal role in the excellent TV program "Secrets of the London Underground." With her deep expertise and passion for the Tube, she unveiled hidden stories and mysteries beneath the city's bustling streets. Holloway's engaging storytelling and in-depth knowledge brought to light the fascinating history, engineering marvels, and untold tales of the London Underground, captivating viewers and fostering a deeper appreciation for this iconic transportation network. Her dedication to sharing the secrets of the Underground enriched the cultural heritage of London. Born Sigurbjörg Alma Ingólfsdóttir in Iceland she changed her name to that of her local Tube station after permanently moving to London.
|
ANDY LORD (1970-PRESENT)TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE
As the current commissioner of TfL, Andy ensures the safe and reliable delivery of transport services to enhance life in London for residents, visitors, and businesses. His responsibilities include meeting the objectives outlined in the Mayor's Transport Strategy and TfL Business Plan. Andy, who joined TfL in November 2019 as the Managing Director of London Underground, commenced his career with British Airways in 1989, starting as a sponsored undergraduate with an honours degree in mechanical engineering from Manchester University. Throughout his career, he has held diverse roles in engineering, operations, and customer service, ultimately serving as Director of Operations and a member of the Executive Leadership Team for over seven years. Before his tenure at TfL, Andy served as the Executive Vice President at Menzies Aviation, overseeing business and operations for the UK, EMEAI. Additionally, he serves as a non-executive director at Defence Equipment and Support.
|