A Cab Ride Through The Elizabeth Line Tunnels

Took another ride on the new Elizabeth Line - this time with a view from the cab! And whilst I did, I spoke to Keith Valla - a Driver Team Manager with MTR - to ask everything you wanted to know from a drivers perspective.
How does the signalling work? Where do the drivers book on? Why are there dwell times at some stations? Do trains really reverse themselves in the Westbourne Park sidings, and loads more …
Note: CBTC stands for 'Communications Based Train Control'.
Thanks to Scott / MTR Press team for access.
The Dull Drivers Eye Video from Abbey Wood to Westbourne Park sidings is here: • Elizabeth Line Drivers...

[@JackJolley]

Seriously experienced driver with an extremely relaxed nature keeping Geoff entertained hearing questions he's probably had lots of times.

[@spinnekopje]

As a train driver in Belgium I can tell many are just as relaxed while driving trains. I don't think he will be less relaxed when driving himself, but the rules probably won't allow to answer questions from Geoff in that case. By the way, I immediately recognised the etcs layout on the screen, I like driving with it as a safety system.

[@nabotherato5089]

belgium railways are embarrassing

[@DKS225]

Especially with one who drove the old Clacton Flyers aka Class 309's among other types of train.

[@quantisedspace7047]

LIVR

[@brettpalfrey4665]

WOW! I was impressed how Keith the Driver casually pushed buttons and let the computers do all the work, while he answered all your questions!! Modern technology at its very best! Good vid, Geoff!

[@benjaminsmith3625]

And although he was looking fairly casual, the CCTV was very good and clear for when he was checking.

[@stephensaines7100]

I was thinking: "This guy seems to be a bit too sharp to just be a driver" (apologies to drivers, some love it so much they decline offers of moving up the ladder) but it turns out he is management level, and still drives trains. I would too!

[@dfross87]

@@stephensaines7100 If I couldn't still reuglarly drive the trains, I would decline any offer of promotion.

[@sarahjoyholden7856]

He still has do three things manually as well as security and be in a dark, confined space.

[@highpath4776]

Would have been interesting to know what problems in the test running were simulated ( presumably evacuations / sick passengers ) and what were unexpected - line code bugs in software - what if linespeed exceeded by the computer, or put into manual and overspeeded - does/ did computer braking etc kick in

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Of all the things I’ve seen Geoff pull off, this seems awesome! Also, a great explainer on the signalling systems 👏🏽

[@smogmonster1876]

Hi Geoff. This is a general comment on ALL your videos. I must thank you for educating me on London Underground. Went to London 6 February 2025 and hadn’t used Tap In/ Tap Out/ Contactless payment before. My journey was from Kings Cross to Stratford and thanks to you and your videos I knew how to go on. So thank These videos aren’t just entertaining, they are educational as well. Brilliant. 11 out of 10. I felt confident as if I’d done it all before. I wouldn’t have been able to confidently use the underground had I not seen your videos. Thanks again Geoff. Safe travels.

[@howardbradley5548]

Keith was excellent giving detailed answer to your questions, very interesting. Keith really know Ed his job.

[@billcook112]

Great to see and hear Keith Valla. I had the pleasure of joining him in the cab from Stratford to Paddington, through to Westbourne sidings and then back to Shenfield. A lovely gentleman and very entertaining, as was Keith Baker, my chaperone. We also experienced a failure coming into one of the station in the central core. The train stopped short of the stop point and I witnessed Keith contacting control, explaining the situation and receiving authorisation to draw forward under manual control. Keith explained that he has to be very slow and delicate, there is only a margin of 150mm to stop or the doors willnot open. If he had gone past that point the train would have had to continue to the next station. It was very interesting to then see the operation from Stratford to Shenfield, where Keith's experience of main line running comes into it's own. Really enjoyed this video Geoff, cheers.

[@zaphod4245]

1:13 CBTC stands for communication based train control, not computer based. It works by having trains communicate their position and speed to the control centre, which communicates to trains how fast they can go based on this. Pretty much all signalling these days is computer based, the signalling on main lines with lights is done by computerised systems, but that isn't CBTC.

[@SouthLondonRailwayPhotography]

I did want to point that out, I know it's not the worst thing in the world, I know plenty of tube drivers who get their signalling systems muddled.

[@gdok6088]

Great video and a great interview with Keith - he clearly knows the whole system like the back of his hand. Very reassuring to see the knowledge and professionalism of the drivers.

[@davidsixtwo]

I'm thrilled that we have CBTC spreading to more lines here in NYC -- the trains really do run better that way.

[@ywilty]

Thanks

[@a1white]

One thing about traveling on the new central section, is that it’s difficult to get a feel for the speed you’re traveling at, the track is so incredibly smooth compared to the tube lines.

[@TheTransitDiaries]

Awesome job, Geoff! Can’t wait to finish the video! I am always excited for your new videos, they make my day❤!

[@geoffreycoan]

That was a lot more interesting than the title implied it was going to be. I thought it would be just the tunnel walls rushing by, the chat to the driver made it much better. Thanks Geoff

[@sarahjoyholden7856]

What a lovely friendly driver Keith is

[@OntarioTrafficMan]

Actually CBTC stands for *Communications* -Based Train Control. The point is that the train receives its movement authority (i.e. how fast/far it can go) via direct communications (e.g. radio) rather than via signals at predefined locations.

[@adampeacock8867]

Another fantastic video. You were in good company with Keith (I know him) he is someone who definitely has the knowledge for the role he has. As he told me, he started on the railway back in British Rail days.

[@Emily_20095]

Yes! A much-needed Elizabeth Cab Ride. A highlight of this channel. Well done

[@mikeranson3381]

I had the pleasure of being part of the siemens team on the installation of Trainguard, the CBTC system in use.

[@jimmeade2976]

Hey Geoff. I've worked in the rail transportation industry for decades. We call CBTC Communications Based Train Control, not Computer Based Train Control as the gentleman in the cab described it. Hands-off operation is more typically called ATO, Automatic Train Operation, which can work with CBTC or other train control systems called ATP (Automatic Train Protection) to enforce safety of train movement.

[@Sim0nTrains]

Epic Interview! Surprised there is another Elizabth Line/Purple Train video but always welcome.

[@scullytawoody4852]

Very interesting about the Elizabeth line . Thank you.

[@seanmcerlean]

Thank you Geoff. Good to meet you the other night at PDX. Take care & be safe & will continue to follow you despite now leaving the railway next Saturday night to return to my profession in aviation. Sean,MTREL CEA.

[@mikehindson-evans159]

Thanks: an enthusiastic and informative video, which captures a "point-in-time" which was rendered "out-of-date" on November 6th 2022. Once more, the complexities of knitting together three (and more) signalling systems was explained clearly. Thank you for the hard work which brought us this interesting view of "the world beyond the cab door". Mike

[@iiExplosionz12]

Awesome video! It’s very interesting to see the drivers perspective on driving the 345, more of a life as a driver. Looking to complete the full part of this journey video!

[@pav504]

Geoff I cannot thank you more for your videos especially this one. I've always wanted to see what the driver can see when he drives the train. I have always loved buses and trains myself so this video was really helpful for me so thank you. Looking forward for the future videos man. 👍👍

[@lisakaz35]

Nice to hear the voice of experience here. Wonder if he has a favorite and if that's unique to individual drivers or what. Thanks.

[@Castlebank_Sidings]

Keith Valla. Good old boy and remember him from old. Absolute font of knowledge

[@Daytona2]

Love Keith's driving history, from driving first generation electrics, with no protection, where you could burn the traction motors out, to this spaceship. I play Train Sim World and have the same tastes - steam, first & second gen diesel & electrics for the challenge and LZB automatic driving just to watch the tech being aware of the hazards ahead and constantly adjusting the braking curve.

[@sara.othman]

This is the most creative and intriguing interview I have seen, Geoff, you’ve done it again 👏🏼❤

[@axolotlgamer615]

Congratulations on 300K Subscribers Geoff!!

[@LasseGreiner]

Apparently, merging systems is a complicated/complex systems. Thanks a lot!

[@emmaslater7927]

I really liked the video Geoff.I love the way how you filmed.This video is the best video you ever filmed.Your such a great person I love watching your videos.I love the view as well.💕

[@RichardWells1]

Great interview @Geoff Marshall More secrets of the Purple Train!

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Fabulous interview, on the move. 👏👏

[@DarthCoco]

Got really good impressions of that driver, and amazing to know what trains he has driven, having been driving trains for a while. Thank you for this video but will be going straight to the complete one!

[@tonysheppard5457]

Geoff that was an awesome video. Nothing like talking to people who run the trains .... More!

[@DavidJones-kn9zb]

Great video Geoff. This is a fascinating view of what goes on in the driver's cab. Also your interviewing skills are excellent.

[@DroneShots_UK]

A great example for driverless trains clearly demonstrated in this video.

[@frazer3191]

Very relaxed but professional driver. As a train novice I find this all fascinating. Why are there not sliding doors on all the platforms to prevent accidents and excess wind? Can’t cost that much ? Great video. Thanks.

[@wysitsani]

It's costs alot actually

[@JohnTalbot-k6xi]

What a nice guy ... feel confident watching him at the controls

[@Big.Al.3]

Top film Geoff. Full of information. You had the right drive the way he answered all your questions.

[@stevethebusman]

You should do a video of Keith's heritage bus collection a man of many talents

[@TheLiamHUK]

It’s funny hearing all those alarms again here on KZbin. When the fast bleeping sirens comes on that’s the DSD, he resets it by pressing the footrest. If the footrest is not pressed, the brakes automatically apply

[@k.r.baylor8825]

Keith's experience shown through in his sublime confidence and being at one with the tech. He was a solid expert interview, Geoff.

[@Martin_Adams184]

Excellent video Geoff! I've read around the Elizabeth Line signalling and control features in Modern Railways, the Railway Magazine etc.; and there's so much detail in all that. But nothing shows the general nature of the line as lucidly as this does. Thanks!🙂

[@MrGreatplum]

You lucky so and so, Geoff - looked very interesting

[@MidnightAspec]

That was awesome. Visited London for the first time ever this past August, riding the Underground quite a bit. I was very impressed with everything about but unfortunately did not ride the Elizabeth line.

[@ywilty]

Thanks Geoff, very interesting.

[@NightLetterLondon]

fascinating. we all want to be in the tunnels..! looking forward to the full ride video..

[@johneyres3045]

Great insightful video. I have one minor criticism in that i found both Geoff and the driver talked over each other quite a lot. I understand this may be to fit a lot of content and questions into a small manageable video but sometimes just breath a little! I've noticed this in one or two other videos too. Otherwise keep up the good work.

[@RailwayManUK]

Great video and as someone who travels on the Elizabeth line most days its a great insight. One thing though, TPWS and AWS aren't signalling systems- they are safety systems. TCB and Axle counters are the systems used outside the core

[@guillaumemaurice3503]

Thank you for the video Geoff that was very interesting. Great information about the Elizabeth Line.

[@bene5331]

Geoff I bumped into you at Embankment on the District line this evening! I couldn’t believe it, I’m not even from London, I wonder what the chances were of us crossing paths! Shame we were passing it would’ve been great to chat to you. Love your videos.

[@nevillegreen135]

Geoff that was absolutely amazing and so interesting.

[@kanejahankane5572]

Uk rail infrastructure is quite complicated nothing stays the same . In summer and in winter sudden drops in temp transition brings allot of issues. Leaf season causes many issue too. So if the infrastructure stays the same for whole 365 days you can relay on computers but signal failures derailment. Spads damaged rails work force on tracks. S.S incidents animals on the tracks .fire smoke snow . You need a driver to overcome on these issue. Autopilot introduced in 80z but we still need a pilots in case of emergency. DRL is not considered as a high speed rail . And most of the issue drivers encountered is due to high speed.

[@danielspencer6174]

It can go to oak common depot from Paddington as well.

[@timothyleberl1202]

Awesome video as always Geoff. Was soo awesome to watch this Elizabeth Line cab ride! Definitely should do more of those if you get invited into the cabs! Keep up the awesome work and videos #purpletrain 😁

[@Danburybeeches]

Fascinating Geoff! Thank you for the video!

[@stuartjones8238]

Asking the question has anyone remained on the Train after the service has terminated, reminds me of the time on a Family trip to London back in 2013, we were on a DLR service going to Bank, my wife got off, but I was a little slower as I was trying to herd our two daughters, who were quite young at that the time, off the train. Watched, in horror, as the doors closed!! Both daughters started crying as the train pulled away. But was fascinating as the train continued for around 50 yards (still on automatic mode!), a load of train staff appeared and cleaned the train around us. After 50 yards the train stopped at the buffers, reversed direction and then we were at Bank's departure platform where we were re-united with mum!!

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

Brilliant . Thank you.

[@julianaylor4351]

As soon as they open Ealing Broadway, I'm going to use this line, because as someone with mobility issues, this is definitely the train for me, because the Tube is no longer suitable for me to use. The sooner that station is open, the better. Great video. ❤️

[@bobsteryt]

It stops at Ealing Broadway right now. You can get trains to Abbey Wood through the core, as well as to Heathrow and Reading

[@memediatek]

Its already open for trains to Abbey Wood, you will need to ask for the access ramp if you require it at Ealing Broadway. If you want to go to Stratford and Shenfield, change at any of the core stations which have step free access on and off the train and wait on the same platform for up to 5 minutes for the next train to Shenfield

[@julianaylor4351]

@@bobsteryt Thanks.❤️

[@eastlancsesteem]

Can't wait for the 2 minute frequency next year!

[@daveharris7224]

Great video Geoff. I was on the Elizabeth Line to Romford yesterday & we had a signal failure and cancelled trains due to the different signalling systems. Not quite perfect, but very good overall. I look forward to your full video of the journey. Take care.

[@highpath4776]

Is there a siding turnback at Liverpool Street or elsewhere for trains that cannot get beyond Stratford , or are extra trains routed to Abbey Wood ?

[@daveharris7224]

@@highpath4776 I must admit that I don't know the answer to this one. I would imagine there is a siding beyond Liverpool Street, as it would make sense, but I really don't know.

[@thisis_mudchute]

@@highpath4776from stratford you can go to liverpool street high level and reverse and i assume thst uses the same signalling system as the rest of the shenfield metro as it isnt new

[@nielspemberton59]

With Thameslink and the Overground it is the London RER.

[@metropod]

It’s “Communications based Train Control”. I would know as I’m riding on a CBTC-ATO equipped train to go to work spending my day as a crew member on a CBTC-ATO equipped train.

[@TheLiamHUK]

Built / tested in derby. These are the vehicles I modded / tested everyday as part of my job

[@Robslondon]

You lucky boy Geoff! 😉

[@rogerphillips7270]

Perhaps Geoff could do a series of riding all the MTR’s railways throughout the world.

[@林嘉霆]

That would involve going thru Hong Kong and some countries of China (Shenzhen Line 4).

[@chm0225]

Would be fascinating to have a video of the driver actually driving the train too!

[@RichardDKneller]

Lucky man. I drove a steam train in Eastleigh Yard and a main line electric train with passengers - it was a long time ago when I was about 11 or 12 years old.

[@TheRailwayTourManager]

Sorry Geoff, had to break off from watching this to photograph a blue necked Tanager in Ecuador! The colours thereof remind me of the Elizabeth line colour scheme.... see, there is a connection!

[@robbiemorrison7085]

I had a cab ride in 2019 on the eastern section, luckily got to go in a 315 and a 345

[@danielspencer6174]

Jeff Marshall i like you talk about maidhead sidings when stops hear when does go further to reading?

[@angelfern9]

Not me reading the video title and thinking this was before the train tracks were laid and Geoff took a drive down the tunnels in a taxi cab 😅🤭

[@MartinFarrell1972]

Thought this was just a cab ride so started playing at double the speed. Didn't realise it was mini-documentary

[@robbiemorrison7085]

Another great video Geoff!

[@JohnStokes-c1o]

Very Cool Geoff. Very Cool. 😀

[@IainShepherd1]

I would've liked him to talk about the risks that are on his mind. For example there was something at Bank DLR where someone on platform got their coat stuck in the door and the train did not detect it and drove off. I'm sure this kind of thing is on his mind but I would feel reassured if it was obvious :D

[@sw5018]

That’s why DLR needs/has staff on the trains most of the time

[@miniaturesteamnick]

@@sw5018 all the time. Every DLR train must have a member of staff on board

[@highpath4776]

Something was giving here in the cab the right away, which had to be button pressed acknowledged, there are also (supposedly) platform staff on the elizabeth line but sometimes they hide themselves away

[@blueb0g]

Running ATO, the driver checks the doors are clear and then tells the train to depart by pressing the ATO go button, so he is fully in control of this not happening.

[@Cloudrak]

Fantastic video Geoff as always.

[@paulhutchins6019]

Amazing!

[@jamestoyn9755]

i know that this is nothing to do with the new Elizabeth Line but i found a old episodes of The Tube - 24 Hours (Series 1 Episode 2) which was back in 2003 and i still remember watching Geoff Marshall trying to break the world record for getting around on all the underground lines . but do like watching the train videos he does as well

[@gracewenzel]

So interesting!!

[@HenrysAdventures]

Keith has certainly had an interesting career.

[@mattjackson9859]

"Alexa, apply the brakes." "OK, playing 'The Breaks'. " (Plays "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow...)

[@Transportationspotting]

Incredible Geoff

[@JISJ1964]

I would have loved being able to ask that driver a few questions.

[@FelixvonMontfort]

No one's cooler than Keith.

[@maimadha]

The Elizabeth Line is awesome

[@Pikaling3408]

Those markers are kinda the same of those on the TVM 430 on the HS1 and LGV lines in France.

[@htrainspotting]

It's in-cab signalling

[@tgm9991]

Yes and ETCS Level 2 markers as well

[@thisis_mudchute]

6:19 can someone please explain the beeping? it keeps happening to me in train sim world in goblin line and im so confused

[@paulhaynes8045]

I was always told that driving an Underground train was one of the most stressful jobs - because of the potential for suicides and accidents (people, not trains). But here we have a driver so relaxed, I assumed at first that we weren't going to see the train move! Personally, I dislike the new platform doors intensely, as (for me) they take the whole 'train' experience away - it's more like getting on a horrizontal lift! But if these doors make this much difference to the job of driving a train, how can I argue against them?

[@rogink]

This video was very enlightening. For one thing, I'd have thought that either the tunnels were lit, or trains had headlights! There seemed to be some lighting, but not enough to see ahead. I thought that Crossrail would be driverless. Is this 'driverless'? Clearly it's more automated than most trains, but it has someone in the cab. I suppose it makes no sense to remove the driver in central London if you still need one outside. And given the 'driver's' answers, it's clear that he won't be driving these trains on a regular basis, as he manages the team.

[@LookingForLocos]

Cool! I love your videos, Keep it up!

[@vwmusicplaylist1935]

Amazing insight.

[@jamallhayden2512]

Thanks for the video!

[@thediamonder11]

I love the Lizzy Line!

[@amiausUSA]

@1:39 I see the DRA, was worried that I might miss it. I like the Paul from the SPAD risks videos, mentioning the DRA.

[@jasonk9779]

Vancouver has an entire network of trains that all run entirely driver free at all times. (Skytrain).

[@Xipheas]

Have you heard of DLR?

[@kentmccroskey3712]

In 1967 the Victoria line was built to run driverless trains. why didn't it you may ask, Unions have controlled the London underground for too long. this is why when the DLR(Docklands Light Railway) was built in 1987 it didn't come under the Underground banner, therefore it could operate driverless trains without the unions interfering.

[@productjoe4069]

@@kentmccroskey3712 citation? I ask because there are many possible commercial and historical reasons for the DLR to be operated as a concession, and as a systems person I’d love to see documentation of the decision making process that happened

[@kentmccroskey3712]

@@productjoe4069 during the 80s Thatcher wanted to put an end to the mountain of strikes the unions were putting upon the country, this was one of those situations. and even today most cities have driverless underground/metro train systems. it only can't be done here due to union interference. I can't offer any documentation on this but is common knowledge, google it and you will find plenty of debates. as to the system design of the DLR you'll have to ask Behshid Eftekari, a systems programmer who worked on the project.

[@drdoolittle5724]

Superb - how does driver know what signals are at if he has to takeover manually, missed that bit?

[@AaronD_]

quite interesting, relaxing video too!