London’s night tube service “got off to a superb start” over the weekend according to the Underground’s managing director, with just one arrest.

Round-the-clock operation of the tube is expected to unlock the full potential of the capital’s night-life economy, as well as cut journey times on the Victoria and Central lines by an average of 20 minutes. Some passengers saw their travelling time reduced by more than an hour.

Around 50,000 customers took the night tube on the Friday night alone, with Oxford Circus being the busiest station, serving 6,500 people, followed by 4,250 at Stratford Station.

London mayor Sadiq Khan launched the new service, riding on the first night tube from Brixton on the inaugural Victoria line night tube.

He commented: “It's wonderful that so many Londoners were able to benefit from a faster and simpler journey home overnight. The night tube is going to provide a huge boost to our capital and very clearly demonstrates that London is open.”

Another 100 visible police officers have been brought in to patrol London’s trains and stations throughout the night in a bid to instil passenger confidence.

Mark Wild, MD of the London Underground, said he saw first-hand how staff and British Transport Police officers were helping customers travel around the capital safely.

There were no reported offences targeting any member of the public or rail staff, although a 17-year old boy was arrested at Oxford Circus on suspicion of drugs and carrying a bladed article.

The night tube is expected to boost London’s economy by £77 million a year and support around 2,000 permanent jobs.