London’s Underground network will grind to a halt in the coming days as a fresh spate of Tube strikes is expected to disrupt all lines.
Following last month’s industrial action, another four days of walkouts are planned for next week and mid-June as RMT union members continue to dispute the introduction of a four-day work week.
The strikes are expected to go ahead from next Tuesday, May 19, to Friday, May 22, across the London Tube network, with the majority of lines shutting down completely or running limited services.
With the strikes looming, Londoners needing to travel during that time may want to explore alternative options.
Here is a round-up of what to expect.
When are the next Tube strikes?
Passengers should prepare for disruption on the following dates:
- Midday on Tuesday, May 19 to midday on Wednesday, May 20
- Midday on Thursday, May 21 to midday on Friday, May 22
- Midday on Tuesday, June 16 to midday on Wednesday, June 17
- Midday on Thursday, June 18 to midday on Friday, June 19
Much like April’s strike action, London Underground services are expected to be affected from mid-morning until midday the following day, with disruption likely to continue into the evening.
Will the Tube strike affect your commute?
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Most major Tube lines will stop running completely, while some lines may continue to run trains, although they’ll likely be few and far between, and very busy.
The Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the Overground will run as normal, but they too will be extremely busy.
What were April’s Tube strikes like?
The Tube strikes last month saw disruption hit a number of Tube lines across the city, causing crowding at several stations.
The majority of London Underground lines were listed as disrupted or suspended, which pushed Londoners to find alternative means of transport like bicycles, Ubers, and good old fashioned walking.
On one of the strike days, Londoners were also hit with an accompanying bus strike, which saw cancellations and delays on routes 8, N8, 25, N25, 45, 205, and N205.
During the same walkouts, small businesses around Liverpool Street station told Metro that they had struggled on the first day of the Tube strike as their income fell.
Can you use an e-bike during strikes?
Strikelists dominated the streets of London during April’s four-day strike, seemingly having grown savvier with past industrial action across the TfL network.
The number of people cycling surged, with nearly 4,000 riders clocked on the Embankment by 8.45am on the third day of April’s strikes – a dramatic increase from the average of 252.
Forest e-bikes said it saw a 50% increase in rides during the strikes last month at rush hour, along with a smaller 35% increase in rides in the afternoon.
Lime, meanwhile, recorded a 23% increase in trips and saw a 20% in the average distance and length of trips compared to the week before, when there were no strikes.
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We could see similar rush for Santander, Lime and Forest bikes next week.
Thankfully, Lime has stepped up its operations to meet increased demand, including increased foot patrols and drivers on standby to boost batteries and balance out overcrowded bays, Metro understands.
Alex Berwin, head of policy at Forest, which runs a fleet of e-bikes in 18 London boroughs, told Metro that all hands are on deck to prepare for an expected spike in demand, especially at known hotspots like stations and commuter hubs.
Why are the London Underground strikes happening?
RMT members are in dispute with TfL over a condensed four-day work week.
Under the plan, which RMT says is being imposed, drivers would have to work a full week’s hours in four days.
RMT’s general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the plan raises concerns around fatigue, safety and work-life balance.
TfL said previously it will continue to work constructively with the trade unions to avoid disruption and address concerns.
Are you concerned about the Tube strike and how you get around? Please email [email protected]
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