A previously “angry” commuter has launched a campaign to encourage Londoners to smile at others during their commute.
Glen Freeman’s Smiles On The Lines campaign aims to inject “more happiness, connection and openness” on the capital’s transport network on September 25.
Speaking to the Standard, he said: “The day isn’t just about smiling, it’s about the connection. It’s about where does that take you in your day, what does that do to you when you get to the office”.
The 36-year-old data consultant wants to make this a more frequent event that can be repeated in cities across the world as “everywhere needs a little bit of happiness”.
Mr Freeman has connected with local coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and institutions where he feels staff spread happiness to raise awareness about the campaign.
He also claims to have got a few tube and DLR announcers — including popular DLR announcer Mr Smooth.
He said: “In a perfect world, we would have a notice at every tube stations with announcers saying: ‘mind the gap and smile at your fellow commuters’”.
Mr Freeman said the inspiration came after witnessing one commuter’s angry outburst in a coffee shop.
He told the Standard it forced him to realise that he wasn’t the happiest, smiliest person and wanted to change that in himself and in others.
He said he told himself: “I’m going to smile at people as I walk down the street and connect with my neighbours. I’m going to get on the train and I’m going to smile.”
For more information on the campaign search #SmilesOnTheLines on Twitter and Instagram or visit their Facebook page.
The Evening Standard has contacted TfL for comment.
