Commuters in London are being advised to check their journeys carefully next week as planned strike action by RMT Union Tube drivers threatens widespread disruption across the capital.
Transport officials warn that while parts of the London Underground — commonly known as the Tube — will continue operating, services are expected to be severely reduced and inconsistent depending on the line. The Underground, which serves millions of passengers daily across 11 lines and is one of the world’s oldest metro systems, forms the backbone of London’s public transport network, making any disruption particularly impactful.
Strike dates and expected impact
The industrial action is scheduled to run from midday on Tuesday, 21 April until midday on Friday, 24 April. A largely normal service is expected early on the first day, but disruption will build through the week, with knock-on effects likely into the evenings even after the strike ends.
Although trains will still run on most lines, Transport for London (TfL) says services will be limited and uneven, with some routes experiencing more disruption than others.
Other transport services still running
Passengers may find alternatives across other TfL services, which are set to operate as normal. These include:
- Elizabeth line
- Docklands Light Railway
- London Overground
- London Trams
However, these services are expected to be significantly busier than usual as passengers look for alternatives.
Most London bus routes will also continue to run, though a separate strike by Stagecoach Group will affect seven routes between early Friday, 24 April and Saturday, 25 April.
Advice for travellers
TfL is urging passengers to plan ahead, allow extra time, and check live updates before setting out. Travellers are also being encouraged to consider walking or cycling where possible to avoid overcrowding.
Dispute over working conditions
The strike centres on a dispute between TfL and the RMT union over proposed changes to drivers’ working patterns. TfL has put forward plans to trial a voluntary four-day working week, starting with a pilot on the Bakerloo line.
According to TfL, the proposal would not reduce pay or contractual hours and would give drivers the option to maintain a traditional five-day schedule. Officials argue the change could improve reliability and modernise operations without increasing costs.
Claire Mann, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, called on the union to reconsider the strike, warning it would cause major inconvenience for passengers.
“We urge the RMT to call off this action, which will disrupt Londoners, and continue to engage with us,” she said.
More disruption possible ahead
This walkout is the first in a series of planned strikes between April and June, raising the prospect of ongoing travel challenges for commuters in the coming months.
Passengers are advised to monitor updates via the TfL website or app and check their routes daily throughout the strike period. Photo by tompagenet (Tom Page), Wikimedia commons.
