London Underground platform during rush hour | Source: City AM

Commuters across London are being urged to prepare for significant travel disruption as strikes by Transport for London (TfL) workers are set to take place throughout May and June. The planned industrial action, involving most Tube drivers, is expected to affect most parts of the Underground, with knock-on impacts across buses, roads and alternative transport services such as trams.

Station closure notice outside a London Underground entrance | Source: BBC News

The strikes are scheduled across four key periods: from Tuesday 19th to Wednesday 20th May, Thursday 21st to Friday 22nd May, Tuesday 16th to Wednesday 17th June, and Thursday 18th to Friday 19th June. Each strike will run from midday to midday the following day, but disruption is expected to last beyond these time periods, which may spill into peak travel times in the afternoons and evenings.

While not all lines or stations may be completely shut, services are likely to be limited, with delays and cancellations across London. TfL has warned that even non-striking services could become overcrowded as passengers seek alternative routes, creating further strain on the network.

TfL London bus 425 to Clapton (Nightingale Road) | Source: My London

In addition to Tube strikes, separate bus strikes are planned in east London, particularly affecting routes operated by Stagecoach from Bow Bus Garage. These will take place from 5am Friday 15th May to 5am Saturday 16th May. Routes including the 8, 25, 205, 425, N8, N25, and N205 will be impacted, with some services facing severe delays or cancellations. However, TfL has indicated that routes 25 and 425 are expected to run near-normal services for most of the day.

To navigate the disruption, TfL is advising passengers to plan ahead, check travel updates before leaving, and consider alternative options such as cycling or walking where possible. Tools such as the TfL Go app and Journey Planner can provide real-time updates and route planning assistance.

TfL Go App displaying live London Underground map | Source: My London

With large-scale disruption anticipated, commuters are encouraged to stay informed and allow extra time for their journeys.

Do these strikes affect you? Let me know in the comments below!