Commuting can be a real downer, especially when you’re tired and stressed. If you live or work in a city, chances are your journey will be packed with people and lacking in joy. But lucky for London commuters, there’s one woman who is determined to make the daily grind a little bit brighter. Meet Sarah Chipperfield, a 42-year-old London Underground driver who brings smiles and laughter to passengers on the tube.
Sarah, a mother of three, became a tube driver four years ago. When she returned to work on the Northern Line after her third child, just as the pandemic hit, she wanted to do something special for the customers traveling on her trains. She believes that spreading joy and showcasing the personalities of the train operators is an integral part of providing a world-class service to the people of London.
“I take immense pride in what I do and in wearing the roundel,” Sarah said. “That’s why I make the effort to bring some joy to our customers. It’s my way of giving back to the city of London.”
Sarah took on the job on the Northern Line because she was looking for a career change that could accommodate her responsibilities as a mother. She works two days a week on weekends and spends the rest of the week at home with her children in Romsey, Hampshire.
Two years ago, as she returned to driving following maternity leave during the pandemic, Sarah decided to spice up her announcements. With the train rides being quieter and people feeling anxious about going out, she wanted to reassure passengers by making her announcements more interactive and entertaining.
One of Sarah’s recent announcements went viral when a passenger recorded a clip of her cracking jokes and suggested she deserved a pay rise. In the video, she can be heard singing alternative train station names to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” which had passengers laughing.
Sarah has shared other favorite announcements on her own Instagram, adding her own twist to popular tunes. From singing “If you’re hanging and you know it clap your hands” to announcing “The Northern Line has severe delays” to the tune of “Tis the Season to be Jolly,” she knows how to bring a smile to people’s faces.
While Sarah doesn’t film herself while driving, she records the announcements afterwards to share with her fans on social media. The overwhelming response has been positive, with people appreciating the joy she brings to their daily commute. And it’s not just online recognition that keeps her going; passengers often wave, offer their thanks, or even approach her on the platform to express their appreciation for her entertaining announcements.
Despite some negative comments deeming her announcements annoying and unprofessional, Sarah remains focused on the positive impact she has on the majority of commuters. She believes that a little laughter and connection can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.
So the next time you find yourself on the London Underground, keep an ear out for Sarah’s announcements. You might just be lucky enough to experience the joy and humor she brings to the daily commute.
