Transport for London has announced that the Victoria Line is celebrating 50 years of the opening of the first phase.

The first phase ran from Walthamstow Central to Highbury & Islington

The line opened on Sunday 1 September 1968 with the first train leaving Walthamstow Central for Highbury & Islington at around 06:30 am

The anniversary coincides with the completion of works at Blackhorse Road station. Blackhorse Road has benefited from a £900,000 investment from Transport for London and the London Borough of Waltham Forest to design an improved abience of the rear enterance and ticket hall.

In the modern day, the Victoria Line operates 36 trains an hour with a 100 seconds per hour.

What did the officials say?

Frank Ibe, Head of Line Operations for the Victoria line said:

“The Victoria line has been a key part of London’s transport network for 50 years and it’s amazing to think how many billions of journeys have been made in its history. When it opened, the Victoria line was one of the most modern subways in the world and, thanks to the recent improvements, it still sets the standard for the rest of the world today.”

David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, said:

“The Victoria line has served as the beating vein between Tottenham, Haringey and the rest of London, ever since it opened 50 years ago. Throughout my life, it has allowed the people of our constituency to access work, education and culture across the capital. With the recent modernisation and the improvements still being made, I look forward to the Victoria line benefitting people in my constituency and across London for years to come.”

Leader of Waltham Forest Council, Clare Coghill said:

 “We’d like to wish the Victoria line a very happy 50th birthday! The Victoria line has been instrumental in connecting Waltham Forest to central London. It has helped millions of residents get to work, helped local businesses thrive and opened the borough up to visitors from London and further afield. Next year it will be play a key role in helping Londoners visit us for the first Borough of Culture celebrations. We look forward to the next 50 years and beyond!”

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