London has been hit by the second major Tube strike in a week this morning, bringing travel misery across the capital with no service at all on two underground lines and parts of three others. Crowds of people have been left stranded on platforms while bus stops across the capital have become overwhelmed.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said members were walking out after last-ditch talks with Transport for London (TfL) failed to resolve a dispute over a four-day working week. There is no service today on the Circle line and Waterloo & City line. The Piccadilly line is suspended between Arnos Grove and Uxbridge, Arnos Grove and Heathrow Terminal 5, and Heathrow Terminal 4 and Arnos Grove. There are also part-suspensions on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
Other services – the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, buses and trams – are running as normal but are likely to be extremely busy. The walkout follows an earlier strike on Tuesday.
Why are RMT Tube drivers striking?
Tube drivers walked out at midnight for a second time this week in a dispute over TfL's plans to introduce a voluntary four-day work week for drivers. Those who opt in would work longer shifts across four days instead of five. The RMT has raised concerns about longer working days and the potential impact on fatigue. TfL says the scheme is voluntary and that drivers who do not want to take part can remain on their current working arrangements.
Which lines are affected and how?
Multiple TfL lines are already facing severe disruption ahead of this morning's rush hour. The Circle and Waterloo & City lines are suspended, while the Northern, Piccadilly, District and Bakerloo lines are reporting severe delays. The walkout began at one past midnight and will continue until 23:59 BST. Here is how each line is currently affected:
- Bakerloo: Severe delays on the entire line, part suspended between Harrow & Wealdstone and Queen's Park.
- Central: Minor delays on the entire line, part suspended between Liverpool Street and White City.
- Circle: Entire line suspended.
- District: Severe delays on the entire line.
- Hammersmith & City: Minor delays on the entire line.
- Metropolitan: Minor delays on the entire line, part suspended between Baker Street and Aldgate.
- Mildmay: Minor delays between Clapham Junction and Willesden Junction.
- Northern: Severe delays on the entire line.
- Piccadilly: Severe delays between Cockfosters and Arnos Grove, part suspended between Arnos Grove and Uxbridge, Arnos Grove and Heathrow Terminal 5, and Heathrow Terminal 4 and Arnos Grove.
- Victoria: Minor delays on the entire line.
- Waterloo & City: Entire line suspended.
When are the next Tube strikes set to take place?
Fresh strike action is expected to hit London bus routes later this month following a dispute around scheduling and driver fatigue, the Unite union said. More than 300 drivers at the East London Bus & Coach Company, part of Stagecoach, plan to walk out again from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14. Commuters are warned that services operating from Bow bus garage, including those that go to central London and Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, will be impacted. The affected routes are: 8, N8, 25, N25, 45, 205, N205 and 425.
Travel chaos leaves commuters confused
Confusion continues to spread amongst commuters during the Tube strikes this morning, with one social media user saying 'nothing is familiar' as disruption hits usual travel routes. Frustration is growing amongst commuters, with another questioning why there have been two Tube strikes in a week and describing the disruption as 'really annoying.'
Londoners turn to cycling to dodge Tube disruption
Cycling has become a popular alternative for Londoners this morning as they look for ways to dodge Tube delays. According to the cyclist display on the Embankment path, 2,965 riders passed by as of around 8.30am. At the same time on Tuesday, the tally was 2,579. Commuters have reported a 'non-stop flow' of cyclists around Embankment this morning.
Tube strikes could cost economy over £130m
Tube strikes could cost the economy more than £130 million in lost working days for both TfL staff and commuters, according to The Centre for Economics and Business Research. It warns that the true impact is likely to be even higher once wider knock-on effects are taken into account, including reduced footfall in shops and businesses. However, the think tank says costs could be offset by a rise in people using e-bikes and other alternative modes of transport.
RMT Union to hold further talks with London Underground next week
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union will meet with London Underground again next week in an attempt to resolve their dispute. The union 'will try and make progress,' says Jared Wood, RMT's London transport regional organiser. 'We will continue to say to them, look, if you can lift the threat of these things being imposed on people, and agree to talk about the terms of the new arrangements you want to bring in, then we can have some constructive discussions hopefully,' he told the BBC.
Warning for those heading to Heathrow
With the Piccadilly line partially suspended today, London Underground services to and from Heathrow Airport will not be running. Heathrow Airport said on X that rail replacement buses will replace the Piccadilly line today. But commuters may also opt for the Elizabeth line, which is currently reporting a good service, or the Heathrow Express – which connects the airport with Liverpool Street station.
London footfall down on Tuesday
Fewer people were moving around London on Tuesday due to the Tube strikes, highlighting how much of an impact they can have on the economy. A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said: 'As Tube strikes take place across London, our mobility data shows footfall is down across some of the city's busiest areas, including the City, Westminster and King's Cross. The figures provide a real-time snapshot of how London responds when major transport disruption hits. Whether people are working from home, changing their commute or staying closer to where they live, reliable mobile and broadband connectivity plays an increasingly important role in keeping people connected throughout the day.'
