Have you ever wondered what the behind-the-scenes of TfL looks like? London’s transport network is one of the busiest in the world, with the Tube handling up to five million passenger journeys a day. At peak times, more than 543 trains are whizzing around the capital.
The Channel 5 documentary The Tube: Keep London Moving takes viewers behind the scenes of TfL, showcasing all the planning and hard work that TfL staff put in to ensure safety and smooth operation around Greater London.
Here are our picks for the 7 best moments from the documentary 👇
1. When TfL ensured a safe “voyage” home for ABBA fans 🕺🪩
In one of the most entertaining segments of the documentary, Channel 5 revealed how TfL manage large crowds of dancing queens making it safely home from Pudding Mill Lane station. With fans still singing “Mamma Mia” and dressed in their grooviest 70s outfits, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy.
But it was no “S.O.S.” for DLR staff, who handled the situation like “Super Troupers,” keeping everyone safe and on the move, leaving behind nothing but happy memories and thanks for the music! Waterloo, anyone?
2. When we glimpsed behind-the-scenes of TfL’s crowning achievement during the Coronation 👑
For the Coronation of King Charles III, TfL staff rose to the occasion with intricate planning and precision to manage the throngs of royal watchers who flocked to London for the historic event.
Making stations exit-only and implementing meticulous crowd control and signage, TfL ensured this once-in-a-lifetime majestic event was carried off securely!
3. When TfL joined in the good vibes at Notting Hill Carnival 🎉
Helping passengers get from A to B during the second largest street festival in the world is no mean feat! The documentary showcased the amazing skills of our staff to keep everyone safe during this significant event in London’s calendar.
4. When TfL showed their true colours for Pride in London 🏳️🌈
How does TfL celebrate Pride in London whilst also keeping attendees safe? From Pride-themed roundels to the iconic “Ride with Pride” buses, TfL goes all out to ensure that every journey during Pride is filled with colour and joy, whilst ensuring those large crowds are managed successfully! 🌈
5. When TfL went retro with a 1950s art deco train fit for a King 🚉
To celebrate the King’s Coronation in 2023, London Transport Museum and TfL brought back a classic 1953 train and invited passengers for a retro ride.
6. When TfL kept football fans moving like clockwork ⚽
Whether the game is at Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur, or the Emirates Stadium, TfL staff need to be prepared to manage thousands of passengers using the network, ensuring that everyone gets home safely—our top priority.
7. When Alexis was the hero of Notting Hill Gate station 🌟
The documentary put the spotlight on Alexis, a TfL employee who expertly manages the bustling crowds at Notting Hill Gate station during the Notting Hill Carnival.
With her bubbly persona and upbeat attitude, Alexis showed us all how it’s done!
Channel 5’s “The Tube: Keep London Moving” documentary offers an eye-opening journey into the inner workings of one of the world’s most complex public transport systems, and we were really pleased to take part in this historic piece of television!
Check out the full documentary on My5 now. 📺⚡