Transport for London (TfL) is inviting transport ‘superfans’ aged 5 -16 to share their love for London’s transport network for the chance to record special 25th anniversary PA announcements and gain exclusive access to parts of the network usually closed to the public.
To enter, participants must explain in 100 words or less why they are a ‘superfan’ of a particular mode of transport, whether it’s the London Overground line they use to visit their grandparents, the bus route that takes them to football matches or the Cycleway they use every Sunday. Twenty-five winners, chosen by the staff of each service will have the chance to record their own personalised 25th anniversary message for TfL, which will be played at a London station.
Winners will also enjoy a behind-the scenes tour that relates to their entry, such as depots for buses, cycle hire or trams, the IFS Cloud Cable Car or a Tube or rail station, and learn the secrets of how TfL keeps London moving every day. A ‘goodie bag,’ with TfL 25th anniversary merchandise, that includes an iconic poster, will also be included.
The competition is part of celebrations marking 25 years of TfL, which kicked off with a lineup of buskers at Liverpool Street station, a silver ‘TfL25’ roundel and a collection of posters highlighting milestones from over the years such as the Northern Line Extension, Oyster contactless smart card and Night Tube. In addition to supporting jobs, homes and economic growth, TfL has helped to make London a place where children can thrive, with the introduction of free travel, cleaner air through the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and TfL Travel for Life, the accreditation programme for schools that promotes sustainable travel.
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London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “It’s vital that London is a place where all children can grow up healthy and happy and fulfil their potential, with milestones from the last 25 years, such as free travel for young people, helping promote equal opportunities.
“As we celebrate TfL’s milestone anniversary this year, this competition is a fantastic opportunity for children to get involved and for transport ‘superfans’ to make their mark and share their stories with millions of people across the capital. London is full of surprise and intrigue, and these announcements will allow us all to see the wonder of the city through children’s eyes. It may even open their eyes to a fulfilling career in transport, and the array of award-winning apprenticeships, graduate schemes and internships we offer.”
The competition runs until Wednesday 23 April and further details are available on the TfL Travel for Life website.
TfL Travel for Life supports primary and secondary schools to travel towards a brighter, safer and more sustainable future, and is administered by London Transport Museum in partnership with London’s Borough Officers.
Schools can become Bronze, Silver or Gold accredited through TfL Travel for Life by taking part in activities that promote walking and cycling to school and the safe use of public transport. Currently more than 700 schools across the city have achieved Gold accreditation, which means that they have either reduced car use by six per cent or 90 per cent of school journeys are being made on sustainable transport.
The London Transport Museum is hosting a series of family-friendly events during the Easter Holidays, with the opportunity for children to create an invention to carry people across the Thames, map out their own transport network and have a go at busking.
From 4-6 April, transport ‘superfans’ can also explore London Transport Museum’s Depot in Acton, west London. The three-day event will celebrate the story of transport in the capital as part of TfL’s 25th anniversary. Normally closed to the public, this collection store houses more than 320,000 objects. Visitors can discover historic Tube trains, trams, buses and trolleybuses to vintage signs and maps, and can also enjoy a line-up of mini tours, expert talks, family-friendly activities, special displays, and demonstrations.
Further information about the competition is available on the TfL blog and TfL Travel for Life website. All entries must be sent to [email protected]
