Tube strike usage higher than Tuesday, TfL says
TfL Reports Increased Tube Strike Participation on Thursday
Transport for London (TfL) has stated that public transport usage across London reached 86% of normal levels on Thursday, marking the second day of walkouts by Tube drivers. Data derived from Oyster and contactless card usage reveals a varied landscape in travel patterns compared to the same period last year. While Underground journeys plummeted by 43%, alternative services saw growth: the Elizabeth line experienced an 18% increase, the London Overground rose by 12%, and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) saw a 9% uptick.
The industrial action is driven by RMT union members opposing TfL’s proposal for a voluntary 35-hour, four-day working week for drivers. Despite the disruption, TfL reported that approximately 60% of Tube drivers reported for duty on Thursday morning, a slight improvement from Tuesday’s turnout. Staffing levels differed significantly across the network, with 91% of Jubilee line drivers present, 80% on the Bakerloo line, and 75% on the Metropolitan line.
In response to the ongoing dispute, a TfL spokesperson issued an apology for the inconvenience caused. The spokesperson emphasized that the organization has repeatedly assured staff, both verbally and in writing, that the proposed changes are voluntary.
"Any suggestion otherwise is misleading the public in order to justify strike action over proposals that would give Tube drivers more time off and create a more modern, efficient Tube service," the spokesperson said. They noted that while services were suspended on some lines, operations continued across most of the network, with the Jubilee line maintaining a "good service" for much of the day.
"More drivers have come to work today than on Tuesday, and we will continue to do all we can to provide as much service as possible," they added.
Meanwhile, the RMT highlighted that their previous strike on Tuesday received strong backing from members, with picket lines at various Tube stations and depots seeing high attendance.
Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-04 18:19:53 UTC
