London Underground workers began a six-day strike at midday on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, triggering immediate disruption across the city’s transport network as commuters sought alternative ways to travel.
The industrial action, called by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, follows a breakdown in negotiations over Transport for London’s proposal to introduce a voluntary four-day working week for train operators. Although the union representing roughly half of Tube drivers is striking, members of the Aslef union — which holds a slight majority — are continuing to work as normal.
The RMT has structured the action in two 24-hour strikes, beginning at midday on Tuesday and repeating on Thursday, aiming to maximise impact across four days. On strike days, services are expected to be significantly reduced from the afternoon, with most lines not running later than 8pm. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the first trains are not anticipated to begin until 7.30am and afternoon services are likely to be worse than usual.
Certain lines where the RMT has strong representation — including the Piccadilly, Waterloo & City, and Circle lines — are expected to notice no service at all during strike periods. Sections of the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street, are also likely to have no trains running.
Transport for London advises that alternatives such as the London Overground, national rail services, the Elizabeth line, the DLR, and trams will remain operational but are expected to be extremely busy. Buses should run as normal but are likely to face crowding and delays due to increased passenger numbers and road congestion if more people turn to private vehicles.
For more on this story, see RMT calls London Tube strikes for April 21 and 23 over schedule changes.
At Liverpool Street Station this morning, hire bikes were disappearing from docking stations rapidly during the morning commute. Alex Berwin, head of policy at e-bike hire company Forest, reported that the company is already seeing significantly more users than on a typical week and expects demand to grow as the strike continues.
Berwin noted that during last year’s strikes, app downloads for Forest’s e-bike service increased to around ten times the usual weekday level. He advised riders to wear helmets, plan their routes — preferably using established cycling paths — and allow extra time for their journeys.
The RMT states that the strike is in response to TfL’s proposal, which it views as insufficient despite being framed as voluntary and cost-neutral. The union previously struck in 2025 to demand a 32-hour working week, which TfL rejected as unaffordable. The current offer of a four-day week is supported by Aslef but opposed by the RMT, which argues it does not address core concerns about workload and fatigue.
TfL maintains that the proposal would align London Underground’s working patterns with other train operators, improving reliability and flexibility without additional cost, and stresses that participation would remain voluntary for those who prefer to keep a five-day schedule.
The disruption comes amid broader challenges for urban mobility in London, including ongoing debates over the regulation of e-scooters and dockless bikes, which have drawn criticism for blocking pavements and creating hazards for pedestrians, particularly those with visual impairments or mobility needs.
How long will the strike last?
The strike is structured as two 24-hour walkouts, beginning at midday on Tuesday and Thursday, affecting services across four days.
Which Tube lines are most likely to be affected?
The Piccadilly, Waterloo & City, and Circle lines are expected to have no service during strike periods, along with parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines.
What alternatives are available for commuters?
The London Overground, national rail, Elizabeth line, DLR, and trams will run as usual but are likely to be very busy. buses should operate normally but may face crowding and delays.
What advice is being given to those using e-bikes during the strike?
Riders are advised to wear helmets, plan routes using established cycling paths, and allow extra time for journeys due to increased demand and potential congestion.
