London commuters and visitors alike are encountering mounting travel difficulties as multiple transport systems experience significant delays and service suspensions. The latest upheaval stems from First Bus workers striking on over 60 routes today and into early Tuesday morning, highlighting widespread travel disruption across the capital.
Bus Chaos: First Bus Strike Impacts Over 60 Routes
Today marks the first of two major strike days affecting First Bus operations, with industrial action extending through to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Expect “little or no service” on ranges of routes, particularly in west, northwest, and southwest London, where up to nine percent of services have been suspended. Affected routes include numbers like 13, 18, 23, 31, and 49, along with numerous night buses such as N33 and N148. Local alternatives remain operable but are likely to be severely crowded.
Travelers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, adopt alternative transport modes, and allow extra journey time throughout the disruption period.
Coming Tube & DLR Disruptions: A Week of Industrial Action
Compounding the bus disruption is a major public transport strike scheduled to begin next week. From Friday, September 5 to Thursday, September 11, London Underground staff, represented by the RMT union, will stage rolling strike action across the network. Separate strike days will involve different worker groups—ranging from control center teams to station staff and signallers.
Meanwhile, Docklands Light Railway workers are set to strike on September 9 and 11, adding further strain to the city’s transit infrastructure, particularly around Canary Wharf and other financial districts.
These developments signal a week of substantial transportation disruption across multiple layers of London’s public transit system.
What It Means for Travelers: Planning Your Route
With two tiers of strikes—First Bus now and Tube/DLR soon—passengers and visitors must stay flexible:
- Use unaffected services: Tube lines not involved in the strike or active rail services remain working but will likely be overcrowded.
- Consider alternatives: Walk, cycle, or use contactless-enabled transport. The Elizabeth Line and National Rail may offer smoother rides depending on your route.
- Private hire options: Taxis or ride-share apps can fill gaps—but expect higher rates during high demand.
- Stay informed: Monitor Transport for London updates and planning tools for real-time service information.
At a Glance
| Disruption Type | Dates | Effects & Advice |
|---|---|---|
| First Bus Strike | Today until 5 a.m. on Sept 2 | Major route suspensions; overcrowded alternatives |
| Tube Strike (RMT) | Sept 5–11 | Rolling shutdowns across the Tube network |
| DLR Strike | Sept 9 & 11 | Service interruptions in financial districts |
Londoners and visitors in the capital should prepare for a severe strain on public transit for the foreseeable future. With multiple travel systems affected—from bus networks today to Tube and DLR in the coming week—proactive planning, choosing alternative routes, and staying updated are essential to navigating the chaos.
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