TfL Warns of Major Disruption as Tube Strikes Loom and Urges RMT to Reconsider

Transport for London (TfL) is advising passengers to plan ahead as significant disruption is expected across the Underground network due to upcoming strike action by members of the RMT union.

The planned industrial action includes a series of 24-hour walkouts between April and June, with the first phase taking place from midday on Tuesday, 21 April until midday on Friday, 24 April. TfL has warned that while some services will continue to operate, the network will face major disruption, with reduced frequency and overcrowding on running lines.

On Tuesday 21 April and Thursday 23 April, services are expected to operate normally during the early morning before being scaled back from mid-morning, with disruption intensifying from midday. On Wednesday 22 April and Friday 24 April, disruption will continue until midday, after which services will gradually recover, though delays are likely to persist into the evening.

Several lines are expected to be particularly affected. TfL has indicated there may be no service on the Piccadilly and Circle lines, while parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines are also set to face complete shutdowns. Where trains are running, passengers should expect longer waits and crowded conditions.

TfL says it is continuing discussions with the RMT in an effort to resolve the dispute and avoid further disruption. Central to the talks is a proposal to introduce a voluntary four-day working week for train operators. The organisation states that the plan would not reduce contractual hours and would allow staff to choose whether to adopt the new pattern, aligning London Underground with other train operators while improving reliability.

Claire Mann, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, said the proposal offers benefits for both staff and passengers, and urged the union to suspend strike action and continue negotiations.

Despite the disruption on the Underground, other TfL services—including the Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, and trams—are expected to run as normal, though they are likely to be significantly busier. Most bus routes will also operate as usual, although a small number of services run by Stagecoach will be affected by separate strike action on 24–25 April.

Passengers are encouraged to check their journeys in advance using TfL’s travel tools and allow extra time for their journeys during the strike period.