A LONDON Underground driver has been caught on camera knitting and watching videos on their phone — all while operating a Northern Line train.
The driver was filmed at the controls, head down and hands busy with knitting needles, as the train departed Hendon Central station in north-west London.
A stunned commuter on the opposite platform recorded the moment, later posting it online, where it quickly went viral and drew fierce criticism.
He said: “I was so surprised. I didn’t expect to see someone meant to be at work being so casual about the job.
“Especially because at the time, there were tube strikes going on so it felt mad they were complaining about the job then relaxing on it.
“And, although I don’t know how automatic the system is for the tubes, I remember thinking that this person has the passengers’ lives in their hands.
“It felt crazy that this driver wouldn’t take that more seriously.”
The video sparked widespread backlash, with many questioning how a driver could act so recklessly in a job with such serious responsibility.
On Twitter, one user wrote: “And they always want pay rises! You couldn’t make it up!”
Another added: “Remember this next time they talk about ‘safety’ when they strike.”
The incident occurred during a turbulent stretch for Transport for London (TfL), as months of intermittent strike action caused widespread delays and frustration for commuters.
The strikes, led by unions demanding better pay, pension protection and improved working conditions, have severely impacted services across the capital.
A TfL spokesperson confirmed that disciplinary action was taken. “This video was made earlier in the year.
“We carried out a full investigation and the person involved no longer works at TfL.”
