Transport for London (TfL) is once again partnering with The Royal British Legion (RBL) to support London Poppy Day, continuing a long-running collaboration to honour the Armed Forces and raise funds for veterans. On 30 October, stations across the capital will broadcast special recorded messages from actress and comedian Jo Brand, encouraging passengers to take part in the annual fundraising effort, which aims to bring in over £1 million in donations.

From early morning until early evening, collectors will be present throughout the transport network, supported by more than 1,700 volunteers and uniformed personnel from the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force. To mark the occasion, eight London buses have been wrapped with commemorative poppy artwork, following their recent appearance at Alexandra Palace. Those buses — along with poppy-themed Elizabeth line, Underground, Overground, Tram and DLR trains, and designs on the IFS Cloud Cable Car — will remain in service through the remembrance period. Alexandra Palace itself has historic links to wartime Britain, having served as a refugee shelter during the First World War and later as a key site used to interfere with German communications during the Second World War.

Reflecting the city’s tribute, Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance said: "I'm delighted that TfL is again marking London Poppy Day with special announcements and designs to remember and honour all the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting our country. As we continue to build a better London for all, the Mayor and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our nation's Armed Forces community and their families. We are forever in their debt."

London’s Transport Commissioner Andy Lord added: "We are very proud to once again support the Royal British Legion for London Poppy Day, with special announcements from celebrity Jo Brand and the specially designed buses and trains honouring all those servicepeople who have served in our armed forces and those who have given their lives. We appreciate the support from all our partners, and hope that customers will donate what they can and help us in this important fundraising effort."

Alexandra Palace CEO Emma Dagnes OBE also expressed her support, stating: "We're pleased to be supporting TfL and the Royal British Legion to mark this year's Poppy Day. It's an opportunity for us to reflect on the role Ally Pally played during the war years, and remember those who lived through so much. We look forward to seeing the campaign supported throughout the city."

London Poppy Day remains the largest street collection event of its kind in the UK, with more than 2,000 collectors and service personnel taking part. TfL’s ongoing commitment forms part of its Armed Forces Covenant pledge, recognising the contribution of veterans working across London’s transport system in roles ranging from engineering and project delivery to frontline operations.

As part of wider remembrance, current and former members of the London Transport Old Comrades will join the national Remembrance Sunday Parade, paying tribute to the 4,500 transport staff who lost their lives during both world wars and other conflicts. The network will also fall silent at 11:00 on Armistice Day to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Passengers can donate via contactless payment points across the network to support the RBL’s services, including welfare support, physical and mental rehabilitation programmes, employment advice and advocacy for serving and ex-serving personnel.

Image: Transport for London