The Victoria line began passenger service in 1968 and was the first London Underground line to use automatic train operation.
The line was designed as a modern cross-London route, linking Walthamstow Central in the northeast with Victoria in central London. Its trains could be operated automatically, although drivers remained on board to supervise the service and manage doors.
The first section opened between Walthamstow Central and Highbury & Islington in September 1968. The route reached Victoria later that year and was extended south to Brixton in 1971.
Automatic operation is not the same as driverless operation. London Underground trains still have staff in cabs, and the Victoria line’s system was introduced to improve regularity and capacity rather than remove train crews.