TfL marks 25th year with super fan announcements

Transport for London (TfL) is marking its 25th anniversary with recorded birthday announcements from 25 young fans of public transport in the capital.

The 5 - 16 year olds were chosen after a competition where hundreds applied, TfL said.

The broadcasts, that wish TfL a "happy birthday" and remind people to "mind the gap", will play out at 50 Tube and rail stations on the hour until 20:00 BST on Thursday.

London's transport commissioner, Andy Lord, said: "It's a time to reflect on the achievements of the last 25 years, as well as look forward to the future of our transport network – one that we feel sure will be shaped by our super fans!"

The competition is part of a year of celebrations for TfL's milestone anniversary.

Entrants were asked to pick out their favourite mode of TfL transport such as buses, DLR or the London Underground, and asked to use their creativity to describe in 100 words what it meant to them.

Gia, one of the competition winners, says she always enjoys going on a double decker bus with her family as she gets to sit at the top and see things she wouldn't usually see.

Lennox, who's nine, and one of the selected super fans, said the Elizabeth Line was his favourite, as it's so "accessible".

He told BBC London he was excited to be leaving school early to go and hear his announcement being played at Farringdon and Whitechapel, and said the message ended with the classic phrase "mind the gap".

TfL said many of the young people who shared their love of transport were disabled and spoke about how public transport allowed them to explore more of the capital and see their family and friends.

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: "I've been absolutely delighted by the outstanding entries submitted by young Londoners who have all shown such passion and enthusiasm for TfL and our transport network.

"TfL's super fans competition is a really fitting way to mark TfL's 25th anniversary and I'm looking forward to hearing some of their announcements on the network today," he said.

Special edition TfL25 roundels have also been installed at 38 locations across TfL's network, including Battersea Power Station, Gospel Oak and Greenwich Peninsula as part of the celebrations.

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