London Braced for More Tube Strikes
The UK is bracing itself for a series of rail strikes that are set to disrupt the rail network, both in London and across the country. While the upcoming strikes are set to cause disruption for most, they could present opportunities for the taxi and private hire industry.
Here's what you need to know.
London Underground Strikes
The London Underground is bracing for a series of strikes this month. The strikes are a result of disputes over pensions, job cuts, and working conditions. Commenting on the industrial action, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union general secretary Mick Lynch said:
"This week of action will shut down the London Underground and show just how important the work of our members is.”
"Plans by TfL to cut 600 jobs and attack our members pensions are simply unacceptable.
"We are aware that Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has had the TfL budget cut.
"However, he needs to align himself with our union and his London Underground staff in pushing back against the Tory government, exposing their damaging agenda to a key part of London transport infrastructure."
The RMT union has announced the following strike dates:
23rd July (Saturday)
24th July (Sunday)
25th July (Monday)
26th July (Tuesday)
27th July (Wednesday)
28th July (Thursday)
The strikes will affect all lines of the London Underground, causing significant disruption to commuters and tourists alike.
National Rail Strikes
In addition to the Tube strikes, the UK's national rail network is also facing industrial action. The RMT and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) unions have announced strikes and overtime bans affecting several train operators. Here are the key dates and operators:
ASLEF six-day walk-out: 17th to 22nd July
RMT strikes: 20th, 22nd, and 29th July
Below is a list of all the train operators affected:
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
Great Western Railway
LNER
TransPennine Express
C2C
Greater Anglia
GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)
Southeastern
South Western Railway
Chiltern Railways
Northern Trains
West Midlands Trains
The strikes are likely to result in a surge in demand for taxi and private hire services as commuters look for alternative modes of transport. This could present a significant business opportunity for taxi drivers and private hire companies. However, roads will probably be busier than usual, and those traveling could well be a bit more stressed thanks to their usual commute being disrupted. All things to bear in mind if you’re driving on any of the strike days.