Photograph details

© Transport for London
Collection of London Transport Museum
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Hustler on the District Railway platform at Victoria station, whose job is to sound an alarm to advise passengers that a train is about to leave. It can be seen that he has the alarm-pull in his right hand, and is consulting a stopwatch held in his left hand. He is presumably standing on a ladder or steps, but these are concealed by the tall wooden box. A vending machine stands against the pillar on the left.

Photographed by Topical Press, 29 Dec 1919

Location: Victoria Underground station, Westminster, SW1

Image no: Ukn

Inventory no: 1998/47922

20th Century London caption: This 'hustler', on the District railway platform at the busy interchange at Victoria station, was employed to sound an alarm advising passengers that a train was about to leave. When the train stopped, he started his stopwatch. After 30 seconds he sounded the alarm-pull in his right hand. This was the signal for the platform staff to close the doors and send the train off, even if passengers were still trying to board. This was one of measures brought in by Lord Ashfield, Chairman of the Underground Group, to improve services in stations! A vending machine selling sweetmeats (sweets or crystallised fruit), cigarettes and matches stands against the pillar on the left.

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