A strike across the Tube network is set to go ahead today (August 19) with industrial action by the RMT affecting the lines. Another strike by Arriva Rail London is also set to hit the London Overground network on the same day.
Some bus and National Rail strikes will also be affecting London’s travel network between August 18-20.
Here’s everything you need to know about the London rail strikes and bus strikes next week.
When is the Tube strike happening?
Around 10,000 workers on the Tube are expected to walk out on Friday August 19 for 24-hours. The Overground strike will involve 400 workers, will start late, and mean there is no night Overground service. Night service will also not operate on Tube lines. There is likely to be disruption in the morning after the days of strikes.
Central, Jubilee, Northern and Victoria lines will continue to experience overnight action every Friday and Saturday until December 6.
Is the Elizabeth line running?
Normal service runs from 7am, but on the Central section (between Paddington and Abbey Wood), trains may not stop at some stations from 10:30pm. Trains through the East (Liverpool Street – Shenfield) and West (Paddington – Reading/Heathrow) will run as usual.
Is the DLR running?
The DLR is operating at a normal service, barring a reduced service running into Bank between 7am – 6:30pm.
Why are rail workers striking?
Disputes between the RMT Union and TfL are over pensions and jobs, and the London Overground strike by Arriva Rail is over pay.
The RMT have said they are walking out over TfL’s failure to assure a position on jobs, pensions and working conditions, giving bosses until August 2 to provide clarity. No agreement was reached and RMT feared that 600 jobs could be lost in the new plans, although the rail network have claimed jobs would be safe.
Are there any other rail strikes coming up?
Yes. This week’s Tube strike on August 19 comes in between strike action on August 18 and August 20 across Network Rail and 14 other train operators across the country, with both members of the RMT and Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association.
These strikes may disrupt routes from these providers: Chiltern Railways, Cross Country Trains, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, Great Western Railway, Northern Trains, South Eastern, South Western Railway Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and GTR.
It is estimated that around 20% of services will run today (August 18), with some also only running between 7:30am and 6:30pm, and many not running at all due to the rail strike.
Passengers are advised to only travel when absolutely necessary and to check timetables before doing so. Trains are also expected to start running later on days that follow the rail strikes.
Is there a bus strike?
Over 1,600 London bus drivers are also expected to strike on August 19-20, with members of Unite and employees of RATP London United walking out over pay. Areas affected by this strike are mainly in west London. There also no night services on the affected routes.
The following TfL routes will be affected by service cancellations and severe reductions: 9, N9, 13, 18, N18, 23, 28, N28, 33, N33, 49, 65, N65, 70, 71, 72, N72, 85, 94, 105, 110, 116, 117, 148, 203, 211, 216, 218, 220, 223, 224, 228, 235, 258, 265, 266, N266, 272, 281, 283, 290, 293, 371, 404, 406, 411, 414, 418, 419, 423, 440, 452, 465, 467, 470, 481, 613, 635, 639, 655, 662, 665, 670, 671, 681, 696, 697, C1, C3, E1, E3, H17, H22, H32, H37, H91, H98, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, N97, S3 and X140.
Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled?
This will largely depend on which operator you have booked with. Some networks allow for compensation to customers on bookings affected by strikes, but this is determined by the emergency timetables for train or replacement bus services.
How should I travel on the day of a strike?
Passengers intending to travel on any days with strike action are advised to check before heading out, and finding alternative routes across the capital.