Oh, how we’ve missed you old friend. We lost you back in 2020, and we’ve long awaited your return. You came back in fits and starts – slowly returning to your old self. But we’re happy to say you’re back. With Night Tube service coming back to the Piccadilly line, it’s official: the Night Tube is back.
So how’d it happen?
RMT has come to an agreement with TfL regarding driver rotas and workload, resulting in the ongoing strike action across the Night Tube being lifted. The service slowly started making a return late last year, with the Central and Victoria lines, as well as the night Overground, resuming operation. The Jubilee and Northern line then followed suit in May and July, respectively, of this year. The Piccadilly line was the last line left before full service could be said to be in place.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch had the following to say:
“We are pleased that after our strong industrial campaign, we have made significant progress on the Night Tube dispute. Our members took months of strike action on this issue, and we congratulate them on that.”
Sadiq Khan commented on how the return of the Night Tube shows that the city is “bouncing back” in the wake of the Covid pandemic. He said:
“I’m delighted that from this Friday there will be a complete night tube service running once again. The full return of the night tube is at the heart of my vision to build a better and safer London for everyone.”
The benefits of the return
As we have mentioned before, the service benefits an incredible number of people across London. The hospitality sector benefits from patrons not having to rush out to grab the last train. Workers across industries such as the NHS and hospitality, and plenty more, are also able to commute safely to and from work at all hours of the day. The return markedly improves the safe options for getting all Londoners to and from home. The return of the Piccadilly line Night Tube also makes travel to Heathrow easier for those red-eye flights.
A reminder, however, before you head out this weekend: National Rail strike action this Saturday (July 30) will see the night Overground service not running Saturday night or early Sunday (July 31) morning.