I Worked During London's BIGGEST Tube Strike!

With most tube lines being shut, I decide to get to work!
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WHO AM I:
I’m Tom, a London Taxi driver of 5 years. I also have a keen passion for all things London whether that’s; history, geography or a good spot for coffee!
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And to PRESERVE the high standards of London Taxi Drivers
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Emailing [e-mail] is the best way to contact me directly.

[@sushi777300]

I'd be interested in seeing the final fare for each ride. Would be a nice addition

[@ProlificPlayer]

@@DB-jb7jn not true, hes allowed to say the fare prices

[@russjam121]

@@DB-jb7jn no he wasn't. He just chose not to include it anymore in the video.

[@georgeseguna]

I think thats whats missing from his videos too.

[@ianmitchell9102]

@@DB-jb7jn TFL have nothing to do with Tom sharing the price with the viewers, it’s probably more to do with other cab drivers complaining to him

[@JW93.]

Tax man might be watching mate

[@bennmfc7978]

I’m a lorry driver in London all day everyday…. In and out and I appreciate you cabbies so much. I’ll be sitting at lights and I’m always asking questions about my routes around town to all kinds of cabbies and they are always really really helpful. So thanks Tom hopefully we can meet on the road soon

[@tomwarlingham2261]

Tom, I really like the format of these videos. The switch between dashcam and dry-wipe marker on the A-Z map - it really works. Thank you - really love these.

[@daniturn]

I love the fact you know the knowledge so well it amazes people who don't know London you do a fantastic job with all these changes and traffic

[@jimdixon5130]

I can answer the Peerless street naming question. It was named after a spring that filled a dangerous pond, which due to youths drowning in it, was called ‘perilous pond’. It later became a swimming pool, and the name changed to ‘Peerless pool’, as in ‘unrivalled’. My source: I used to work in local archives and they have a lot of material on this.

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

That's a much better way to remember it, thank you 😊

[@jamesmonaghan1406]

The history of Peerless Street is an interesting one. In 1743, William Kemp, a jeweller, converted the pond to a luxury swimming bath with a well-stocked fish pond next to it. The path alongside the bath was called Peerless Row and later became Peerless Street. The pool was closed in 1850 and then built over

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Fantastic! Love this, thank you 🙏🏻

[@jamesmonaghan1406]

@@TomtheTaxiDriver No worries,really enjoy the content 👍

[@broadsword6650]

And he called his baths "Peerless" because it was "without peer": i.e. had no equal. It was an advertising slogan!

[@jambo308]

The pond itself originated from an overflowing spring also, adding even more history.

[@colors6692]

@@broadsword6650 You actually explained the origin of Peerless. I think James misread the assignment!

[@InclusiveDriving]

Love what you said about people walking when they would normally be underground. I only visit London once or twice a year but since my wife has started needing a wheelchair, we have walked a lot of places instead of jumping on the tube. We've found lovely side streets and coffee shops and music shops that we'd never have known about if we'd simply dived underground.

[@danielcraig243]

Watching you draw black lines on a London map is so relaxing. I've never been to London. I don't know any of these places. I still enjoy it

[@pauljordan4452]

You're obviously not the actor, are you?

[@danielcraig243]

@@pauljordan4452 If I tell you I'm not, am I acting?

[@EastMancRider]

I really enjoy the way you have taken your videos recently. Showing the journey, with the added bit with the map. Excellent!

[@gilbertleon3080]

Hey Tom, my dad drives a black cap. And your videos have made me found a new found love and respect for my dad. Thanks for the videos mate!

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Cheers! Be lucky mate!

[@tattyman4191]

Wow massive respect for you for driving in London and for your chosen profession.

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Thank you 🙌

[@kianpenkrat3346]

I was travelling throughout London on the day of the tube strikes and it was just much less inconvenient and slower, really do rely on the tube in London

[@lordlondon1able]

Hey Tom Absolutely love your life report as a London cabbie. I got my badge in 1989 after starting the knowledge in 1985. What different times they were compared to now. Im now retired but what memories, 30 years of pushing a sherbet. Good Times /hard times. Would love to talk to you documenting the 'old days' History. Be lucky.

[@exex9378]

I have no idea how you stay so cool, I worked Manchester black cabs for about 10 years, I felt permanently stressed and under pressure and was guilty of chasing the money. When I did my accounts for the last year I worked, i was actually making less than minimum wage for the hours I was working. That was my time to get out

[@thatkurdy]

Hey, this helps us as Coach Drivers in London 😂 when traffic or too much delays, asking cabbies like Tom for alternatives which are really helpful! 😊

[@lazylad8544]

Tom your knowledge and experience is a fantastic journey for us Northerners. Great video and I don't know how you remember all the streets. Some sort of gift I think.

[@mattsmith551]

Loved the final trips during the night when London was a little quieter, the music fit perfectly. I would absolutely watch a long video of just these late night jobs just for the vibes.

[@2552legoboy]

The cost of living is going up, people need a proper wage. I’m just thinking tube drivers are going to be some of the first jobs taken by tfl robots 🤖.

[@AlonsoRules]

the unions are powerful, those dudes are getting paid a lot of money

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

As they should be, sadly we won't progress as a nation if we are held to ransom be unions. Nobody wins in these scenarios, we had it in the 70s and all the workers acheived was running the companies into the ground and losing their jobs instead of just taking a pay cut.

[@chrisstjohn9403]

@@Ze-Germanzuk All those little fringe benefits we all receive, sick pay, holiday pay, etc are brought about by centuries of unions past and present working for the working class. Corporations lobbying politicians to keep us in line no thanks.

[@DarkDutch007]

@@Ze-Germanzuk keep on "taking pay cuts" could turn a livable situation for a worker into one where the worker has to choose between paying rent or being able to eat. Meanwhile managers, directors and the likes keeps on getting bonusses and the companies earning major profits. Not to mention that everything is getting more expensive, taking pay cuts is not a luxury most of the working class can afford. Sorry to say, but your solution won't be a progress for a nation when more of its population ends up in poverty.

[@pastryattack2170]

@@DarkDutch007 you can smell these daily mail victims a mile off.

[@andrewmonument8847]

All the times I've watched your videos.. I NEVER realised your cab is electric 🤣👍

[@graemesbikingdiary232]

I gave Mornington Crescent a big cheer! Nice to see you drive past Sicilian Avenue early in your shift. We went to see that a few weeks ago

[@will16320]

Tom these videos are fantastic, thanks for takin the time to make these episodes

[@haz9808]

Tom has mastered being a taxi driver, different gravy. He holds a live interactive map of london in his head and can smell traffic from a mile away with his window open.

[@tonyclifton265]

these videos are so addictive. once i start watching one i cant stop. it's like eating pringles; once you pop you cant stop

[@stefk9883]

Great video mate! I am a cab driver myself in Amsterdan. Although London is bigger than Amsterdam, I do see a lot of similarities and can totally relate to the things you are experiencing. Love it!

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

without actually knowing all the street names I drive down, I can see that it's a similar way of thinking for me in EMS, how I'll get from a scene to the hospital or back to the station: which route to take depending on traffic loads at certain times of the day, avoiding some places, sneaking through some side roads - and in terms of me working in EMS, also finding a rather comfortable route which isn't too bumpy

[@linkinruss]

Proper honest taxi driver. Of late… just feel I’ve run into a bit of bad luck with taxis. Always want cash in hand and sometimes refuse the ride or the machine is broken.

[@jonbyrnes4349]

Well it’s illegal to refuse card payments so take their badge number and report

[@anthonymichaeldurkin6244]

Thank You...really enjoyed that...Appreciate your skill and patience in the way you handle your profession.. and life in general.

[@BigBoiiLeem]

I really love that two separate commenters knew different, but equally interesting facts about the naming and history of Peerless Street, so I could just scroll down and get a super satisfying answer all in one.

[@MeTheCoolDude]

The excellent use of the film :) The funny thing is the main character ended up getting that exact run on one of his first hires after getting the badge

[@jamie2954]

Really enjoy these shift videos. Takes a fair bit of self-discipline to knock back what must have been a £100 job!

[@kiradotee]

5:45 "not that anybody has ever wanted to go from Manor House to Gibson Square ..." 🤣🤣🤣

[@ItsEloell]

Tom mate these vids are so good! What knowledge you have of the city, deserve every fare you get.

[@markkeohane9850]

I don't get to London often and when I do rarely take a cab; years since I last hailed one. But I've been dipping into and enjoying your channel for a few months now. On my recent birthday (not a tube strike), the wife and I went into town for a day out. We took two cab rides where we'd normally have taken the tube or walked. Call it 'paying it forward'. I'm in awe of your geographical knowledge and tip my hat for the time, effort and ££ you invested in acquiring it and your professionalism in using it. Every success. Try not to hit anything.

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Thank you Mark! It’s one of my aims of the channel to dispel old myths and get people in taxis 🙌🏻

[@markkeohane9850]

@@TomtheTaxiDriver Works for me :-)

[@georgebaker1486]

Having worked in London for 12 years and living on Prescot Street/Leman Street for 3 years, It's super fun to watch areas I recognise. Great Knowledge Tom. Fingers crossed you're my cabbie next time I'm in the city.

[@truthalways6601]

You deserve alot more subscribers and support, this is brilliant 👏🏾

[@tonyclifton265]

"not that anybody has ever *wanted* to go from manor house station to gibson square" lol it makes me want to go to manor house station and hail a taxi and ask for "gibson square please" just to take the p1ss. or do it the other way round. pick up gibson square, set down at manor house

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

I’m tempted to try it for a video haha!

[@benmoorhouse1988]

Another Aston Martin Cygnet at 17:09! You are the king of finding these. 😛

[@heatherluna363]

this tube strike messed me up big time, london was an absolute shambles, really showed how dependent london is on the tube. i had a concert in london on the first strike day so headed down, i ended up all in all, spending £50 in taxi fares

[@almuric1baggins337]

Another brilliant video, as ever! I could watch these all day long. All the best 😊

[@romz1]

First channel I have seen showing a taxi driver's perspective, interesting vid 👍

[@Trek001]

They've remodelled Aldwych round Bush House? That explains why my SatNav was trying to take me around what I thought was the wrong way

[@PaulBeebe]

Nice to see you charging the cab. You should do the series or a video on running/charging costs. Do you ever have to use the REX etc

[@charliepparker2042]

when i head to work i go on TFL Traffic Jam. It shows cameras all over London. You can see what areas are becoming busy. Really handy tool!

[@stevenbowers4164]

Lancaster gate brings back memories as i used to stay at the merchant navy hotel and yes I'm an old sod

[@SeaBananers]

Great video as always. Tom, have you considered making a Patreon with more behind the scenes footage or bonus footage for those willing to throw a few pounds your way?

[@BigDazza87]

Just started the knowledge and I’m loving you’re videos Tom keep them coming 👍🏻

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Good work! Be safe out there!

[@vjary8142]

Tom, another interesting insight into a day in your work "life" Nice map work.

[@itsmephil2255]

Awesome videos Tom.....really like the marker on the map....gives a real sense of where you are going 👌

[@reptongeek]

3:00 Yay, you get to be a Secret Agent again. Although Ethan Hunt doesn't need to deal with traffic I'm always impressed how you manage to mentally work out where you take your passengers.

[@BrunoBelcastro]

Nice video! Traffic was crazy those days. Funny thing you passed by my office building in St. John's. Keep up the great videos mate.

[@PripurnanandaGiri-dl5gf]

Thank You Tom The Taxi Driver.

[@L.F.P]

Peerless Street is more of a disguise than an indication of any superlative quality. The name comes from a spring that overflowed and formed a pond - Perilous Pond - so-called, says Stow, because “divers youths, by swimming therein, have drowned”. The pond, with its unfortunate propensity for drowning people, was finally closed off. In 1743, William Kemp, a jeweller, converted the pond to a luxury swimming bath with a well-stocked fish pond next to it. The path alongside the bath was called Peerless Row and later became Peerless Street. The pool was closed in 1850 and then built over.

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Thank you, can’t forget this now 👍🏻

[@markpunt9638]

Everything about Hackney and places East are a complete nightmare - totally agree. Keep west and Southwest! 👍😂

[@demandedsoul7603]

The amount of knowledge in a taxi drivers noggin sets you up for life XD all those roads lmao 🤣

[@oliverdots]

I am a subscriber and you are a bloody human computer. Watching you, it's easy to see why Uber is the second choice. Your choices are so fluid depending on the time of day and what's happening on roads you aren't even on. If or when I need a black cab, I hope it's you. If not, I know I am safe in the knowledge the driver has done the knoweldge

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Yea that’s the great thing with The Knowledge, every driver has it! And I’m sure there’s drivers out there with much more intricate knowledge that me!

[@MrAhoghill]

Top job Tom. You certainly know your stuff 😊

[@charlieaslett2332]

Been waiting for these videos. The best content 👍

[@HouseholdDog]

The Knowledge was really a good film. It's how I first found out about "the Knowledge".

[@kd84afc]

If the whole of the London bus network went on strike, it would be manic, the tube themselves could cope but the stations wouldn't be able to, they would need to close stations to prevent overcrowding.

[@tobyskinner94]

I might one day, for a laugh try and hail a taxi from Manor House Station to Gibson Square.

[@harrylewis1458]

I was in an the moorfields eye hospital archive Monday morning and the archivist told me it came from the derived from the "fearless" boys who played in the areas ponds?!

[@mr_glasgow84]

Brilliant video Tom. How many miles do you average on a typical shift?

[@mr_glasgow84]

Why is this highlighted but with no answer? 🤣

[@simonnlaroche5438]

Great informative vid as always. Amazed at your ability and knowledge!!

[@jameshill8711]

Great upload and insight Tom, thankyou.

[@ccityplanner1217]

Is there a bulletin of alterations to the road network of London that lets taxi drivers keep track of them?

[@ccityplanner1217]

@@PatheticTV : And which newspaper would that be, the SCMP?

[@marcusskidmore7290]

Please could you mention the landmarks you pass, love the history stuff and random trivia.

[@vitamins6611]

every other sponsor promotion i watch i skip but urs r actually interesting

[@StijnHommes]

The amount of road closures is ridiculous! Even in London they can't leave things alone.

[@ccityplanner1217]

I'm going to see if I can do Manor House to Gibson Square without using a map. My first though is Seven Sisters Road down to Finsbury Park, then down past Highbury Barn, but Liverpool Road branches off from Holloway before Highbury Corner, so instead go straight on at Finsbury Park into the Nags Head one-way system, left into Holloway & right into Liverpool Road. But Finsbury Park's always chocka when I go there, so it may be quicker to instead go via Drayton Park. That would mean going down Green Lanes as far as Clissold Park, right into Drayton Park down to Holloway, ahead into Palmer Place, left into Liverpool Road. That's my final answer. Then I look at Google Maps, see that Drayton Park doesn't go all the way up to Green Lanes, & kick myself for forgetting where Arsenal tube is. I must've been confusing it with an idea I once had for a bus route. I'd have to turn at the Highbury Park Tavern right into Riversdale Road, then drive down either Highbury Park and Aubert Park or Mountgrove Road and Gillespie Road.

[@Gregdotgreg]

Navigating Bank you make it sound like you're going on a Bear Hunt 🤣

[@Finggy]

I'm trying to learn the roads through your videos.

[@dansanderson329]

Have you ever been to becks cafe in red lion st its a big cabbie stop?

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Been a few times, big portions 👍🏻

[@Cyber128]

The one wheel into oncoming - the light is red so is that actually an issue? There's no oncoming traffic!

[@pjcamp1on]

I can't believe black cabs still don't use some sort of sat nav that has live traffic updates. Yes i know you have done the knowledge and know your way around but traffic monitoring systems have been in use since the 1990's

[@Mgameing123]

Honestly watching people requesting for your taxi really looks very simular to someone requesting a bus.

[@TerryThornton]

I remember in the 90's when the buses and the tube went on strike. No cycle lanes or congestion charge then.

[@DarkDutch007]

Every person on bicycle is atleast 1 less car to be stuck behind.

[@TerryThornton]

@@DarkDutch007 my point was that people weren't turning to bikes then,whereas now they would, because it is made easier with cycle lanes.

[@DarkDutch007]

@@TerryThornton And safer! (if done correctly) It is getting better.

[@TerryThornton]

@@DarkDutch007 I am really tempted on a trip to London to cycle around, any tips.

[@DarkDutch007]

@@TerryThornton Other than the general "Don't be a jerk" and "FOLLOW THE RULES!!!". I would say don't get/rent a roadbike/tour the france type bikes where your head is next to your handlebar, it is harder for you to see what is happening around you and you are harder to be seen with your lower profile, rather get/rent a bicycle where you can sit straight up on, citybike/omafiets kind of bicycle. Down side of these bikes it is les aero, though if you have an electric assisted bicycle than that should not be a problem. I can't help you with routes to cycle in Londen, for that try the channel "London cycle routes" on youtube. If you go visit the Tower of London, do try to do the tour with the Yeoman Warder of the place.

[@bensearing3325]

Cracking vid as ever Tom, keep them coming!

[@OllieOllyOllie]

Had Andrew Marr in my cab a few weeks back. Lovely fella and big supporter of the cab trade.

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Missed by one cab getting a hail from him, top bloke!

[@temery28]

Tom if I booked one on your tours I'd love for you if you'd want to! Is possibly film it so people can get a idea of the tour! I don't mind being on camera if you wanted to and been a fan for a few months now!

[@sebby324]

What would you say is the best way to hail a taxi?

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Stick your arm up loud and proud

[@sdbhjbi743]

Not too high though ;)

[@theo_2949]

You should come to Dublin and work as a taxi because our transport is more messed up always then London

[@Christopher-m81]

Watching this video as I head to London on the train. Hopefully I will pick you up at some point over the weekend. From now on, I am going to be getting a hackney carriage instead of any app based ride service.

[@calvin88821]

If the wheels aren't turning, cabbies are still earning mate. I hate taking it cab when there's traffic, you just see the price go up and up even though the cab's not moving

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Goes up a lot quicker if they are moving… see this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKquZ31qgKuFq7M

[@zulfqarali905]

Hi and we ame back in 2002 to drive into London and walked all from big ben to east end of london

[@oneteaminbristolbcfc]

Thanks Tom really enjoyed that

[@ferretgubbins]

Good to see you drinking your lunch outside the School of Pharmacy - drank many meals in the common room in there

[@brandlee1629]

You do realise this is setting me up for the Knowledge Test, Lol

[@Stivven]

I am living in Oxford, and going to London with OxfordTube few times a year to discover another parts of capital. I wish i would get a ride with you, as u seem to be cosiderate, knowledgable person who would be able to speak about a bit more than just "ach man its nice and sunny today" "yea man innit" (bear in mind thats just a banter, i know all you drivers had all type of conversations already every day, so i try to not speak a word unless the tired driver is wiling to have a chat.)

[@jonbyrnes4349]

Agree about navigating around hackney - I would’ve just gone old street to Hackney road L queensbridge . Also with no 1 Blackfriars not sure if legal I went embankment up the slip to new bridge street and there’s a small gap in the road where you can do R onto Blackfriars bridge

[@nadim2769]

Tom, do you feel guilty or bad when you've got a passenger in the back and the traffics heavy? I deliver in London and even though I know my delivery area well and try a shortcut, I find it's often blocked up too, can't imagine what it must be like to have a passenger with you

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Nope, I will always update the passenger and in this case I let them know that the park plaza is just a 15 minute walk from where the traffic was on the first journey. However if I have done all I can, assessed conditions using a sat nav and explored all the options, what can I do? Most customers especially regular cab users will know this as they know routes very well too!

[@nadim2769]

@@TomtheTaxiDriver yes agreed sometimes we can feel helpless especially if stuck in traffic on a one way but that's very professional of you Tom, good work

[@thelondondashcam]

A great film The Knowledge, but my question is did anyone try to put you off when you were doing your runs on appearances like in the film ?

[@NoNonsenseJohnson]

Lol “Don’t bother son, games dead” 🤣

[@Danny-nn8lp]

Amazing video as always mate

[@djacidTV]

sorry if this has been asked/ answered , in the video you charged your cab , how long does it take to charge , or was it a case of a little top up . great video

[@gavincashman]

Next time when I go to London can I book you?

[@louischapman1209]

Andrew. Marr walking round like he has been hit by a taxi 🤣

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

Good to see he is back on the mend, he’s back on the radio now too 👍🏻

[@RayTheGuitar]

Praed Street, as in Pray - ed Street !

[@crazyoncoffee]

4:17 Camden council stalking you now?

[@JonoThorne]

How many maps do you get through making your videos?! 😂 I love the illustration of it though.

[@lewiss626]

Omg I went to London during this strike for a couple of days away and it was absolutely bedlam on the buses

[@doesntmatter3963]

Glad these type videos are back. What was the reason you're allowed again?