You might be wondering, “Why, oh why, do tube drivers keep striking?” The short answer: pensions, pay, and night shifts. Mostly pensions. Tube drivers get paid decently (around £60k a year), but they want to retire before their knees give out. Fair enough, right?
But the cycle is always the same. The union says “We’re striking for fairness.” The mayor says “We offered a fair deal.” And you end up walking from Zone 3 to Zone 1 in your business shoes. It’s like a bizarre dance that nobody wants to join but everyone has to watch.
Oh, and let’s not forget the “unofficial” strikes. Sometimes drivers just decide to not show up. No announcement. No warning. Just a silent, passive-aggressive “sorry, I slept in.” That’s when you truly feel the whims of the universe.
What to do if the answer is “YES”
First, don’t panic. (But a little panic is fine—it’s natural.) Second, embrace the Thames Clipper. It’s a boat. Yes, a boat. It takes you up and down the river. It’s slow, scenic, and makes you feel like a Victorian explorer stuck in 2026. Plus, you can drink wine on it. That’s a win.
Another option: walk. I know, I know—your feet will hurt. But walking across London during a strike is like a secret rave. You see the city from street level. You pass other stranded people, and you share that knowing nod: “We’re in this together, comrade.” It’s almost beautiful. Almost.
Tube strike today London: timings, closures and travel routes
Or, you can do what I do: work from home. If your boss asks, just say “the tube is on fire.” They’ll believe you. It’s happened before.
