Robert Griffiths has worked on the London Underground for more than 35 years, on the platforms and on the trains, as a Guard and Driver, principally on the Central Line.
Mind the Doors charts his career and experiences provide an unusual insight into the tube, from his training in the 1960’s through to the relatively high-tech environment of the 21st century. We learn about the evolution of the trains themselves, how they are controlled and operated, how the signalling system functions and the provisions made for emergencies. There are anecdotes arising from the ups and downs of everyday life on the trains, as well as accounts of every driver’s nightmare- suicides on the track.
I was lucky enough to interview the book's author Robert Griffiths.
Going Underground (GU) - When did you realise that you might be able to turn your experiences into a book?
Robert Griffiths (RG) I began studying how to write stories from a writing course. For practise I decided to write my life story since 1966, when I first joined London Underground. With so many anecdotes to write in the script, the script got larger and larger until the book was created. After my third rejection on the point of giving up, because I thought ‘who wants to read my life story?' Silver Link Publishers were publishing a ‘working lives’ series giving me the chance of publication.
GU - Would you call yourself a "train spotter"?
RG - The only time I have ever stood on a platform to become a train spotter was when I was taking photographs for my book. I must admit I felt embarrassed for some unknown reason, perhaps proving to myself I could never ever be a train spotter.
GU - So, why is it called ‘Mind the Doors?
RG - The original title was ‘Wheels Keep Turning’ but my Publisher he liked ‘Mind the Doors' best, because it is a well known phrase on the underground and besides the title is very catchy.
GU - Do you have a favourite station?
RG - Roding Valley is my favourite station because it holds so many good memories of the 60’s for gardening and song writing besides my station duties, not forgetting the friendly staff and Stationmaster. Sadly all the staff have died over the years and the station is now unmanned reminding me of a ghost station.
GU - And obviously I must now ask, what’s your least favourite station?
RG - My least favourite station is the Bank on the Central Line, because of the curve platform that should have never been built in the first place. Often the train squeals round the curve as the passengers block their ears. There is a danger someone might fall down the gap and the driver doesn’t get a clear view when arriving in the platform. Especially if a passenger decided to jump under the train.
GU - What is the biggest single improvement you’re seen in your time on the tube?
RG - The Central Line trains running in automatic, although I must admit I detest our Central Line trains because the train equipment is so technical with new up-dates all the time. When they break down - you normally have to reboot the computer system, being no different from your own PC.
GU - And the greatest loss?
RG - The 1962 tube stock that train crews really enjoyed working on for their reliability and also the passengers found them more comfortable than the new tube stock.
GU - What does London Underground think of your book?
RG - They simply love it because it isn’t just written for railway buffs. Many staff stated it brought them back good memories - while the new staff found it very interesting to know how the underground operated from the 60’s to the 90’s.
GU - What's the funniest passenger incident you've come across in your years on the tube?
RG - When a drunken tramp refused to get off my train. When the police arrived they hesitated to remove him because of the state he was in. Finally one policeman found four cans of beer in the carriage that some other passenger had left behind. The policeman put the four cans of beer onto the platform and told the tramp "If he gets off the train- he can have the beer". The tramp fell for it as I quickly closed the doors after causing a thirty-five minute delay to the service.
GU - You've obvsiously made countless driver's announcements in your time, which one stands out?
RG - A group of youths decided to chat as they were standing holding the doors open. Of course this is very annoying to the driver and passengers. I made my annoying public address announcement "would the passengers kindly continue to talk on the platform or on the train instead of both. Other passengers on this train would like to continue with their journey and I want to go home."
GU - I understand you have a large collection of photographs of trains and rolling stock. What's your advice for taking photographs on the London Underground?
RG - Never to use flash as this can interfere with the driver’s vision. If you feel unsure of what you can or cannot take - ask the Station Supervisor.
GU - What's the most surprising interview you've carried out since the book's been published?
RG - That was chatting on BBC Radio Essex for twenty minutes. I dreaded not to stutter and get loss for words.
GU - And finally, do you have any plans for another book?
RG - My next book is going to be my first novel concerning the Underground with many funny anecdotes that people will love. The fiction story is based on a young lad joining the underground - who falls in love with a station assistant - gets into plenty of bad luck as he takes promotion to train driver.
Thanks for a great interview and anyone who wishes to order the book for themselves should click here.
Transport Exchange
  
 
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