Old London Underground photos show the Tube in the 1980s with commuters smoking

Old London Underground Photos Reveal 1980s Tube with Smoky Commuters

Vintage photos of the London Underground showcase the Tube’s 1980s vibe, featuring commuters enjoying a smoke during their journeys

Culture

London, UK, 1980s, London Underground, Commuters, Smoking

London: The Tube has changed a lot since the 1980s. Back then, it was a different world. Commuters could smoke freely, and the vibe was totally unique.

These days, we’ve got contactless payments and a strict smoking ban. It’s hard to imagine the Tube without those changes!

In the 80s, they also introduced the Heathrow loop on the Piccadilly line. Plus, ticket pricing started using zoning, which was a big deal back then.

Since then, the transport network has grown. The Hammersmith and City line came in the 90s, and TfL was formalized in 2000.

And let’s not forget the DLR in 1987, London Overground in 2010, and the Elizabeth line just a few years ago. So much has happened!

But looking at those old photos, the Bakerloo line still feels familiar. The trains there are from 1972, making them the oldest running in the UK.

Want to keep up with London’s transport? You can get updates on trains, the Tube, and buses sent straight to your WhatsApp!

Our London Underground newsletter is perfect for that. It gives you the latest travel updates and a fun dose of Tube trivia every week!

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.mylondon.news/news/transport/gallery/old-tube-photos-commuters-smoking-26373412