First Female Tube Driver passes away

Hannah Dadds, the first female Tube driver on London Underground (LU), passed away on 26th November 2011, aged 70, following a long period of illness.

Opening of London Transport Museum’s exhibition, ‘The Right Heels for the Job’ c1995

Born in the East End of London on 16th October 1941, Hannah originally started out as a ‘railwoman’ in 1969 and went on to work as a ticket collector and guard. In 1978  after a period of training & much ribbing from her male counterparts, she became a Tube driver on the District line. She was later joined by her sister Edna and together they formed the first all women crew on the Underground. I blogged about her pioneering story on International Women's Day last year which proved to be an inspiration to many people.



Hannah left LU in 1993 but her legacy continued and in 2004 she was invited to one of the Queen’s Women of Achievement lunches.

Howard Collins, Chief Operating Officer at London Underground, said: “Hannah Dadds changed the working life of women on the Tube, and the way in which many people viewed Tube drivers.

“I had the great privilege of working with Hannah and her sister in the 1980s, they were a great team, positive and enthusiastic about their role and their pioneering responsibility. She was an esteemed member of our workforce and my condolences go out to her family.”

Hannah is sadly missed by her family, friends and ex-colleagues at London Underground.

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