TFL's London Underground staff are currently striking across the county's capital in a walkout that should last the rest of the day.
The RMT union have called for the strike over fears of changes to staff pensions and job vacancies after TFL have proposed cost-cutting measures in recent months.
London's underground system has already suffered walkouts over the course of the past week. Every line was impacted by a full strike on Tuesday, whilst many lines ran on a reduced service on Wednesday.
Today, commuters can expect severe delays across all tube lines once more, as the RMT have announced a second day of full-scale strikes.
“If you can, consider working from home on strike days,” advised London Underground bosses.
However not everyone has such a luxury, and for those people — alternative routes are necessary.
Here are the best ways to get about London when the tubes are down...
When are the London tube strikes?
Today's tube strikes will take place from midnight until midnight.
There will be further strikes tomorrow, March 4th, however these will be less severe and will mainly impact commuter times.
How can I travel around London during strikes?
Overground, train and tram services
Although the underground will have severe delays, other TFL services will remain running.
This means that the overground, trains and tram services will be working as normal.
“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.”
River buses
Often overlooked, the river bus can be a clever way to travel across London above ground whilst avoiding packed roads.
Commuters can move across the capital from south to north, and even east to west (and back!) using the affordable river bus system.
You can find TFL's river bus map online and use the strikes as an opportunity for a more exciting commute.
Buses
London buses will be running as expected on strike days, but commuters should factor in cramped conditions and longer waits as buses fill quickly and traffic jams cause delays.
E-scooters
Some London boroughs are trialling out e-scooters.
These rentals are a clever and legal way to ride electric scooters around the city.
You can catch a ride on these fun bike alternatives in:
- 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
Santander bikes
Cycling is often quicker than catching the tube, and for those who don't own a bike — Santander rentals are available across the city.
There are 800 docking ports across London, and the fare is very reasonable (£2 for half an hour cycle, and another £2 for every half hour afterwards).
According to TFL, you should never be over 600 meters from a Santander bike port whilst in the city.
Taxi
Taxi services will be oversaturated with bookings, and traffic will be tense — so book at your peril.
Allow more time for journeys if you're going by cab.
