London Underground passengers need to prepare for significant disruption. A series of strikes planned by RMT union members will affect services on September 7 and September 12. Several key layers of RMT membership have already been involved in these walkouts. As a result, there is expected to be widespread, if not complete, service disruption on all 11 Tube lines operating in Greater London.
Transport for London (TfL) has warned about different degrees of disruption to its massive rapid transit system. On the morning of September 12, plan on added travel time to your commute. Buses will see major impacts over this period as well. In addition, more and more travelers are switching to other routes. In turn, the Elizabeth line and the Overground will probably see a major shot in activity.
Once fully operational, the Elizabeth line runs like clockwork. It provides critical transport service for stranded commuters and workers trying to make their way across the city amidst the disruption caused by the Tube strike. Meanwhile the Overground has been rolling on, as usual. Both services are sure to be significantly busier than typical, a byproduct of the new demand from thousands of displaced commuters flocking to them.
TfL has already pointed out how crucial it is to plan ahead for trips, given the high level of disruption expected. Long-term, commuters are urged to explore new ways to travel and to stay informed about evolving service changes as this situation continues to develop.
This strike has brought attention to the persistent labor struggles in the transport sector. It is symptomatic of national trends around pay, treatment and culture, forcing staff to their breaking point to go on strike. Members of the RMT union are holding walkouts on different days. This is going to have major implications for the long-term integrated infrastructure that supports London’s daily commuters, tourists, and business travelers.