THE voice of the Tube has spoken of her devastation, after her iconic announcements were replaced with AI.
Elinor Hamilton, 46, whose recordings have been used on the London Underground for over 20 years, said the birth of the technology was ruining the capital’s vibrant culture.
XElinor Hamilton first supplied the recordings in 2005[/caption]
AlamyTransport for London confirmed an AI voice had been implemented at Colindale station[/caption]
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed last week that it had implemented AI for tannoy announcements at Colindale station on the Northern Line.
Bosses admitted they were using a “text-to-speech voice provided by Zentiel”, in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the Metro.
This was brought in amid a redevelopment of the station – set to be completed later this year.
TfL has clarified that Elinor’s voice will return to Colindale once the project has finished.
Elinor told the Metro: “It makes me quite sad they are using an AI voice.
“To use computer voices almost takes away the job of travelling in London. It brings me joy to think these are people.
“It is the difference between going down a nice cobbled high street and going to a retail park outside a city”
The voiceover artist added that advancements in AI would eventually “chip away” at the “fabric of London” – and that society would only notice once it was too late.
Elinor’s soundbites were first recorded in 2005 for the Northern, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines – but later adopted across Tube stations in London.
She has also supplied similar recordings for other stations and rail operators across the UK – including South Western Railway.
Remarkably, somebody else in Elinor’s family also had the same niche job.
Her late husband, Phil Sayer, was the voice behind the famous “Mind the Gap” message heard across Underground stations.
After landing the quirky job, radio presenter Phil recommended his wife Elinor for station announcements.
Despite his death in 2016, Phil’s voice continues to be used by TfL.
However, Elinor admitted she was terrified her beloved husband’s voice might one day be axed.
The mum-of-two said she still liked to record Phil’s announcements whenever she heard them – to show her sons that he was “still around”.
She added that she would “kick off” if they were ever removed.
In the FOI response, a TfL spokesman said: “Once the station re-opens fully in late 2025, the regular station management system and London Underground station voice announcements will be used.
“No decision has been taken yet on the permanent female voice we intend to use on the refurbished Bakerloo and Central line trains.”
The Sun has contacted TfL for further comment.
Elinor Hamilton and husband Phil Sayer, the so-called ‘railway couple’Rex Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
