Let’s talk stress. A driver averages 400 passenger alarms a year. That’s someone pressing the help button every single shift. Often it’s a kid playing, but sometimes it’s a medical emergency.
They also deal with “one unders” (a tragic term for people jumping on the tracks). It happens more than you think. That mental toll is impossible to price.
TfL strikes: Low-paid staff forced to skip day's pay, pay three times
So the money is good. But the job is not easy. You earn every penny.
What about other countries?
London’s drivers are among the best-paid in the world. In New York, subway drivers earn around $80,000 (roughly £60,000). Similar ballpark.
But in Paris? Metro drivers take home about €40,000 (£34,000). That’s way less. Why? Different unions, different culture.
And Tokyo? Drivers there earn around ¥6 million (£32,000). But they get incredible job security and respect. No one yells at a Japanese train driver.
