A 24-hour Tube strike across the entire London Underground network has brought the capital to a standstill today, for the second time this week.
“On strike days, expect severe disruption to all lines and stations throughout the day [and the] possibility of no London Underground services,” warned Transport for London (TfL) in a statement about the industrial action.
Follow the Independent’s Tube strike liveblog for all the latest news and updates
Morning services the day after the walkout (Friday 4 March) will also see delays and disruption, said TfL.
“If you can, consider working from home on strike days,” advised London Underground bosses.
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So how can you get around London on the strike days? Here’s everything you need to know.
When will the Tube strikes take place?
The Tube strikes will commence at one minute past midnight on March 1 and March 3, which are Tuesday and Thursday respectively. The strikes will conclude at one minute to midnight on both of these days.
How can I get around London during the Tube strikes?
Buses
London buses will be operating as normal on strike days, although TfL has warned services are likely to be busier than normal.
Although travelling by bus is often slower than the Tube, there are around 700 routes connecting destinations throughout the nation’s capital – in many cases it will be possible to complete your journey by bus as an alternative. But commuters are being told to allow more time than usual for bus journeys as roads are likely to be busier on strike days.
Train and tram services
It is only the London Underground that is being affected by the planned walkouts – other TfL networks should be operating as normal, including TfL Rail, National Rail, DLR, London Overground and Tram services.
“Services will be running normally but will be busier than usual. Allow more time for your journey and consider alternatives,” says TfL.
“If you are using services from stations also served by the Tube, check before you travel for possible station closures.”
Explore London on Santander bikes
Discover the joy of cycling through the bustling streets of London and avoid the Tube strike chaos. With over 800 convenient Santander docking stations scattered across the city, you can easily rent a bike for just £2, allowing unlimited journeys up to 30 minutes within a 24-hour period. For each additional 30 minutes beyond the initial half-hour, only another £2 is charged.
According to Transport for London (TfL), central London offers exceptional accessibility to Santander Cycle hire points, ensuring that you are never more than 600m away from a docking station. Make the most of this efficient bike sharing scheme during the Tube strike to glide seamlessly between London's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
Alternative Transport Options during the Tube Strike
When faced with a Tube strike in London, there are various alternative transport options to consider. Driving in your own vehicle or taking a taxi, such as a London cab or Uber, are popular choices for commuters. However, it is important to note that roads are expected to be busier during this time, so it is advised to allocate extra time for your journeys.
If you are in town as a visitor and have booked accommodation through the likes of http://www.hotels-of-london.com/en/, getting around could be a concern with the ongoing Tube strike. Fear not, as there are still several ways to explore the city and reach your destinations.
If you choose to drive, make sure to plan your route in advance and stay updated on the latest traffic updates. Utilizing smartphone apps or GPS devices can help navigate through congested areas more efficiently. While London's iconic black cabs are a convenient option for hailing a taxi on the go, services like Uber offer a modern alternative with the ease of booking through an app.
Additionally, there are various car rental services available in London, offering options for short-term or long-term hires. This could be a viable alternative for those who do not own a vehicle but still prefer the flexibility and convenience of driving during the Tube strike.
Remember, while driving or using taxis can be a practical way to get around during the Tube strike, exploring other transport options like buses, bicycles, or walking may also be worth considering. London boasts an extensive bus network, and cycling or walking can be an enjoyable way to discover the city while avoiding the potential congestion.
Exploring London on Foot
When faced with a Tube strike in London, walking can be a convenient and enjoyable alternative to reach your desired destination. Transport for London (TfL) actively encourages walking as a means of travel, offering useful walking guides and innovative tools for pedestrians.
If you prefer to discover the city on foot, TfL has partnered with Go Jauntly to bring you the Walking Tube Map, a handy feature accessible on your smartphone. This digital tool can assist you in seamlessly incorporating walking into your daily journeys, making it easier than ever to explore London's vibrant streets and landmarks on foot.
Walking not only helps you avoid delays caused by the Tube strike, but it also allows you to immerse yourself in the city's captivating atmosphere. Discover hidden gems, stumble upon charming local cafes, and take in the rich history that London has to offer at your own pace.
So why not take advantage of the opportunity to stretch your legs and experience the true spirit of London during the Tube strike?
E-scooters
There are electric scooter rental trials in some London Boroughs; these rental schemes are the only way to legally ride an e-scooter on public roads or in other public places within London.
Dott, Lime and TIER e-scooters are available to rent and ride in the following London boroughs:
Camden
City of London
Ealing
Hammersmith & Fulham
Kensington and Chelsea
Lambeth (north of the borough only)
Richmond upon Thames
Southwark
Tower Hamlets (limited parking at Canary Wharf and some TfL stations)
Westminster
Riders must be 18 or over and have a full or provisional driving licence to rent an e-scooter.
Take note: it is still illegal to use privately-owned e-scooters or other powered transporters on public roads.
Alternative Options During the Tube Strike
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In the midst of the Tube strike, working remotely from home is a recommended solution if physical presence in the office is unnecessary. Transport for London (TfL) suggests this approach whenever possible, particularly on 1st and 3rd March.
London Underground executives are advising commuters to consider traveling later than usual on the days following each strike. By adjusting your travel time, you can potentially mitigate the impact of the strike on your daily commute.