The tube has been around for a long time. Nearly 150 years, in fact. As you might imagine, in that time there have been a lot of different trains across different lines, most of which have long since been scrap metal.
Some of them, however, have been painstakingly restored to working order by Transport for London (TfL). Naturally, these carriages are basically historical artefacts, so they’re only brought out on very special occasions. Luckily for us, this year marks TfL’s 25th birthday, and 200 years since the first ever railways opened up in the UK.
To celebrate, TfL is offering you the chance to take a journey along the Metropolitan line on a restored art deco tube car from 1938 this very week. The event will span two days, with trips taking place on Friday September 5 and Saturday 6, before the 90-year old carriages go back to the depot to be restored once again.
The trains will run between Amersham and Harrow-on-the-Hill and you’ll be able to choose whether you get a single or a return ticket. More journeys were originally planned for Saturday, September 7, but those have been cancelled due to strikes. Anyone that had a ticket will have been contacted by TfL.
The 1938 stock is not only gorgeous to look at, it was also the first tube carriage to hold all of its electrical equipment beneath the floor, meaning it was more compact. It chugged along the deep levels of the Underground for nearly 50 years before taking it out of service, so it’s a certified tube icon. The Metropolitan was also the first ever line to be built, so this is a properly vintage experience. Of course, you’ll learn more about this on your journey from expert guides and a helpful souvenir info leaflet.
If you want to be a part of London history for the day, you can buy your tickets on TfL’s website here. Prices vary depending on which carriage you pick, with single journeys starting at £17 for adults and £16 for children. The cheapest return tickets are £25 and £15 for adults and kids respectively.
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