Transport for London is marking 40 years of Poems on the Underground with a new summer poetry series and a special anniversary collection celebrating four decades of bringing literature to commuters.
TfL is celebrating the long-running programme, which brings language and literature to daily journeys across the capital, from Monday, June 1.
Its latest series features poems exploring memory, reflection, and the moments that shape our lives.
New Poems Across the Network
The 2026 summer selection includes William Shakespeare’s Song from The Merchant of Venice and A Bunch of Consolation by contemporary poet Maura Dooley.
It also features works by Polish poets Krystyna Lenkowska and Tadeusz Dąbrowski, as well as A Rousing Speech by Glyn Maxwell and No One Mentioned the Roofer by Irish poet Rita Ann Higgins.
Mark Evers, TfL’s lead on Customer Insight, Strategy and Experience, said: "For 40 years, Poems on the Underground has brought creativity into the heart of everyday journeys, giving millions of customers a moment to pause, reflect and connect with voices from around the world.
"This anniversary leaflet celebrates the remarkable range of voices we’ve shared with customers, while this summer’s selection continues that tradition with poetry that resonates across cultures and generations."
Posters of the new poems will appear in Tube and rail carriages across the network from June 1, with special 40th-anniversary leaflets available at selected stations.
Literary Celebration
To mark the anniversary, a special reading event will be held at Covent Garden this month, featuring live performances from poets whose work has appeared on the Underground over the last 40 years.
More than just a one-off event, Poems on the Underground has become a much-loved part of London life, reflecting the city’s diversity and creative spirit.
The programme’s 40th-anniversary leaflet includes a selection of 40 of the most popular poems ever featured in the series.
Spanning centuries and continents, the collection features writers from John Donne and Po Chu-i to modern poets like Leanne O’Sullivan and Roger Robinson.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: "Happy 40th birthday Poems on the Underground! Loved by Londoners and visitors alike, they have transformed our journeys with inspiring poetry, taking culture to every corner of our city.
"This special 40th anniversary collection is full of our most loved poems and it’s a great way to celebrate this milestone."
More Than Just Poetry
The 40th-anniversary programme comes with additional cultural opportunities for commuters.
TfL is offering 2-for-1 tickets at BFI Southbank until August 31, giving customers a chance to experience the capital’s independent cinema scene.
BFI Southbank will present a season of films exploring different cultures and themes, including a special focus on Marilyn Monroe throughout June.
In July, the venue will also screen Station to Station: Kazuo Ishiguro Top Ten Train Films, selected by the Nobel Prize-winning author.
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A Lasting Legacy
Judith Chernaik, founder of Poems on the Underground, said: "It's wonderful to know that poetry has found a home on London's great transport system, thanks to the continued support of TfL, the Arts Council, the British Council, and, above all, the enthusiasm of London's daily commuters."
To further mark the occasion, a poetry reading event will take place at Keats Community Library on Thursday, June 4, at 7.30pm, featuring guest poet Nick Makota and the Apollo Quartet.
Poems on the Underground continues to remind Londoners and visitors alike that art and reflection can be found in the most unexpected places — even during a busy morning commute.
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