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Tube strike: How to cope with London Underground closures Tube strikes August 2015: When do they start and how can I get around?
(21 days later)
London Underground workers have started a 24-hour strike, with trains not due to resume running until Friday. Here's what you need to know about dealing with the strike. Two Tube strikes are planned for this week and look likely to cause four days of travel disruption for commuters.
Are all lines closed? Last-ditch talks aimed at averting the action are taking place - but here's everything you need to know should the strikes go ahead.
Tube services stopped running from 18:30 BST on Wednesday and will remain closed all day on Thursday, Transport for London (TfL) has said. When do the strikes start?
TfL says London Overground, DLR, Transport for London Rail and trams will all operate a normal service throughout the strike - but warns they are likely to be much busier than usual. London Underground workers are staging two 24-hour walkouts - the first starting at 18:30 BST on Tuesday and another from 18:30 on Thursday.
There is also disruption on some rail services, including South West Trains and First Great Western. Station staff will walk out from 18:30 on each of those days and drivers from 21:00 - but TfL says services will stop running from about 18:30.
Click here for real-time updates on what's running and what's not And even though the strikes are supposed to be 24 hours each, it's likely services will be affected from Tuesday evening right through to the end of Friday.
Follow the latest travel updates on the BBC London live page Latest advice from Transport for London
How can I travel? So what's the day-by-day rundown?
Walking could be an option. Are any lines running?
Below is a walking map of central London showing the estimated walking time, in minutes, between Tube stations. Transport for London (TfL) says it will "run whatever Tube services we can" based on the number of staff who turn up for shifts.
Commuters can expect a dry day on Thursday. Most lines are expected to be closed, and those running at all are likely to only serve certain stations, and only run for part of the day.
Click here for the latest BBC Weather updates London Overground, DLR, Transport for London Rail and trams will all operate a normal service - but will be exceptionally busy at peak times.
What are my other options? Real-time updates on what's running and what's not
About 250 extra buses will be put on during the strike - click here for a map of the key bus routes you might need - and some coach services will be running more regularly. How should I travel?
National Rail routes in and out of London should be unaffected. But Chiltern Railways services will be affected between London and Aylesbury, via Amersham. Walking could be your best bet.
Extra river services are also planned during peak hours from central London to Canary Wharf and Putney - click here for a map of river services. Below is a walking map of central London showing the walking time, in minutes, between stops.
Extra marshals will be on duty at taxi ranks at major train stations during peak times. But arm yourself with a brolly/wellies/waterproofs - the forecast is wet (though fortunately with some sunny spells).
Extra bikes are available to hire at: Or if you're looking for an excuse to keep fit, here's a calorie-burning map of the city.
Bikes at these hubs will also be restocked more frequently during peak times on Thursday: Any other options?
The Emirates Air Line cable car (above) is also open until 23:00 BST on Thursday. Travelcards will be accepted. An extra 250 buses are running - here's a map of the key bus routes you might need - and some coach services are running more regularly on many routes.
For drivers, the congestion charge remains in place from 07:00 to 18:00, but some road works have been delayed or reduced. But, a word of caution, during the last strike buses were delayed by up to an hour, particularly in zones one and two, says TfL. And don't forget buses don't accept cash.
If all else fails... Extra river services are running, and extra bikes are available to hire, along with extra cycle hubs (full list here).
How do I get to the airport? The Emirates Air Line cable car is also open until midnight on Thursday - Oyster and travelcards will be accepted.
If driving, be aware the congestion charge remains in place from 07:00 to 18:00 and roads are likely to be very, very busy. But some road works are being suspended to help traffic flow.
If travelling by road or river it's essential to check the latest before you travel - and try to make your journey outside rush hour.
And lastly, check rail services before travelling too as there are a few service disruptions planned.
And if all else fails?
What about getting to airports?
Getting to Heathrow is likely to be difficult, as the Piccadilly line is not running.Getting to Heathrow is likely to be difficult, as the Piccadilly line is not running.
But Heathrow Express services from Paddington are operating, and rail services to Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports are running.But Heathrow Express services from Paddington are operating, and rail services to Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports are running.
Again, services are likely to be busy, so leave more time and check the latest updates.Again, services are likely to be busy, so leave more time and check the latest updates.
What other help is there? So is this action linked to the last lot?
London firms have tried to tempt people with Tube strike offers.
One bike shop is offering free puncture repairs to cyclists throughout the strike, some restaurants and bars are offering special deals, while a hotel website is offering reduced prices for people who can't face travelling.
Another sweetener - offered by a well-know chocolatier - is free bars of chocolate for city workers.
One firm is even offering free rickshaw rides for people who download its mobile phone app.
Is this linked to July's walkout?
Yes, it's part of the same dispute.Yes, it's part of the same dispute.
Tube stations across the capital closed due to a 24-hour walkout on 8-9 July. The latest strike was called after talks failed to resolve a dispute between unions and London Underground over plans to bring in all-night Tube services.
The latest strike was called following the failure of fresh talks to resolve a dispute between unions and London Underground. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) and Unite are involved in the strike. But Aslef, whose members took part in the previous action, has decided not to participate this time.
The dispute is over plans to introduce all-night services on the Tube. London Underground says it has offered an "extremely fair" revised deal, but one union boss says the night Tube plan has been "rushed and botched".
London Tube strike: The factsLondon Tube strike: The facts
So when will it all end? When will it all end?
The strike is due to end at 18:30 on Thursday - but that won't be the end of the problems. The strike is due to end at 18:30 BST on Friday - but it's likely disruption will continue into the night.
TfL says services will not resume until Friday morning because there isn't enough time to restart the network so late in the day. Normal services are not expected to resume until Saturday...
Can I get a refund if I've already bought a ticket?Can I get a refund if I've already bought a ticket?
The short answer is no.The short answer is no.
This is because TfL says strike action is beyond its control so no refunds will be offered.This is because TfL says strike action is beyond its control so no refunds will be offered.
But printed single Tube tickets will be accepted on bus and tram services on "reasonable" alternative routes, though not on National Rail services.But printed single Tube tickets will be accepted on bus and tram services on "reasonable" alternative routes, though not on National Rail services.
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