London is braced for severe travel disruption this week as a major 48-hour strike on the Underground network is set to bring large parts of the Tube to a standstill.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will walk out from 00:01 on Tuesday, 23rd January until 23:59 on Wednesday, 24th January in an ongoing dispute over working conditions and pay.
Which Tube Lines Are Affected?
Transport for London (TfL) has warned passengers to expect severe disruption across multiple lines, with some services likely to be completely suspended. The strike action will primarily affect lines and stations operated by London Underground.
While the exact impact will vary, travellers should anticipate:
- Little to no service on many lines during strike days
- Delayed starts and early shutdowns on Monday evening and Thursday morning
- Extremely crowded conditions on services that are running
- Significant knock-on effects on the days following the strikes
Alternative Travel Options
Commuters are strongly advised to seek alternative travel arrangements. TfL recommends:
- Using the bus network where possible (expect extreme crowding)
- Cycling or walking for shorter journeys
- Utilizing the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, and Elizabeth Line services
- Allowing significantly extra time for all journeys
Many stations, particularly those in central London, may operate with reduced staffing or close entirely at short notice.
Ongoing Industrial Dispute
This week's action represents the latest escalation in the long-running dispute between the RMT union and TfL management. The union has cited concerns about working conditions, job security, and what they describe as "unacceptable attacks" on pensions.
A TfL spokesperson stated: "We encourage the RMT to engage with us to avoid disruption for Londoners. We have robust contingency plans in place, but customers should check before they travel."
Travelers are urged to check the TfL website and official social media channels for real-time updates throughout the strike period.
