Tube strikes this week expect to cause disruption across the city. Here’s our guide on how you can still get around.
What is happening and when will the TFL strikes take place?
On 15 March, there will be “little or no” underground services as tube drivers take strike action. This includes the Northern Line, which was impacted by fires last week. Commuters are encouraged to plan alternative travel routes to avoid any inconvenience.
Services will resume on 16 March, but TFL has warned that services will be starting “later than usual” as the transport body recovers from the previous day’s strike action. TFL also warned that national rail strikes will hit services until 17 March – particularly the District, Bakerloo, Overground and Elizabeth lines.
On 18 March, there will be no Elizabeth line service between Shenfield and Brentwood before 7am and after 11pm. Service between Maidenhead and Reading be hit before 7am and after 7pm, and there will be no westbound service from Paddington until 6am.
What is still running?
Bus services across the city will be running, but TFL has warned that they will be busier than usual. No extra bus services have been announced yet.
On 15 March, the Elizabeth line, the London Overground, and the DLR will be running as scheduled but, again, TFL has warned that services will be busier and that commuters should plan for delays.
How else can you get get around the city?
Commuters have been encouraged to plan around the services that are running. Bus services will be busier but will still be running as normal.
Additionally, rental bike services, such as Lime Bikes and the TFL’s own Santander Bikes, will be available as commuters are encouraged to use them on strike days.
Why are the strikes happening and will they be resolved?
The drivers, represented by the Aslef and RMT Unions, say that strike action is taking place due to disputes about job cuts, pensions, and working conditions. The RMT Union general secretary Mick Lynch said that the cuts were a “political decision” and that workers will “never accept job losses”. The Department for Transport said that the decisions are the responsibility of the Mayor of London’s office.
There is no indication of when the strikes will be resolved by, with National Rail strike action planned for 30 March and 1 April.
