There’s going to be a Tube strike all of today: Here’s what you need to know

By:

Add as a preferred source on Google

It hasn't even been a month since the year started with a bang thanks a Tube strike which shut down most Zone 1 stations and caused commuter chaos.

But we're already facing another one, which will affect the Central and Waterloo & City Lines.

So, here's what you need to know to make any journeys as pain-free as possible…

Read more: Every route from Waterloo station to Bank, ranked

When will the strike take place?

The 24-hour walkout began yesterday at 9pm, and finishes at 9pm tonight.

Which lines and stations will it affect?

The Central and Waterloo & City Lines directly (though there might be a knock-on impact as others get busier).

What's running when?

There's no service east of Leytonstone on the Central Line and reduced service on the rest of the line (including service starting up to an hour later than usual). Trains will run:

  • About every five minutes between North Acton & Leytonstone at peak times (every 10 mins off peak)
  • About every 10 minutes between North Acton & West Ruislip /  Ealing Broadway (every 20 mins off peak)

The W&C Line is currently running a good service this morning.

What will the bus situation be?

TfL is boosting bus services for customers east of Leytonstone. There will be a shuttle bus between Epping and Chingford calling at Epping, Debden, Loughton and Chingford, providing connections to London Overground services.

More info on the buses that will take you into central London here.

Any stations I should avoid?

Quite possibly if you want to avoid being glued to a fellow commuter's armpit. These are the ones TfL has sign posted as likely to be particularly busy…

  • Leytonstone, Leyton, Stratford, Mile End, Liverpool Street, Oxford Circus, Waterloo, Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Bank, Monument, London Bridge, Embankment, North Ealing and Ealing Common stations
  • The Victoria line and stations along it, especially Walthamstow Central
  • The Jubilee line between London Bridge and Waterloo
  • TfL Rail services between Romford and Stratford, and particularly Ilford station
  • London Overground lines and stations between Liverpool Street and Chingford

 

Where can I find out more?

Head to TfL's dedicated Tube strike page – there's plenty more detail on alternative routes.

Is there any chance it could be called off?

Strikes are often called off at the last minute and TfL has been calling on the union to do just that (as you'd expect), but considering talks have been going on at conciliation service Acas without resolution, don't hold your breath.

Meanwhile, yesterday's train derailment at Lewisham is continuing to cause havoc across the Southeastern network, with several services suspended.