Full Tube line closures for Thursday strike

London Underground drivers began a second 24-hour strike at midday on Thursday, April 23, with severe disruption expected across the Tube network. (tfl.gov.uk) Transport for London said the walkout runs from 12 p.m. Thursday to 12 p.m. Friday, but disruption is expected to last into Friday evening as services restart. TfL said trains that do run on Thursday will finish early and passengers should aim to complete journeys by 8 p.m. (tfl.gov.uk) TfL said no service is expected on the Piccadilly and Circle lines, no Metropolitan line service is expected between Baker Street and Aldgate, and no Central line service is expected between White City and Liverpool Street. The agency said a reduced service will run on most other lines, with longer gaps between trains and crowded platforms. (tfl.gov.uk) The Standard’s live line-by-line roundup said all lines were showing good service earlier on Thursday before the strike began, with closures and delays building through the day. Its updated guide lists the affected lines and stations as conditions change. (standard.co.uk) The dispute is between London Underground and drivers in the Rail, Maritime and Transport union over a new four-day compressed working week. RMT said TfL was “imposing” the change, while TfL said it was still in talks and urged the union to call off the action. (rmt.org.uk) (tfl.gov.uk) This week’s stoppage follows an earlier 24-hour strike that began at midday on Tuesday, April 21. TfL has also listed further planned strike dates in May and June if the dispute is not settled. (tfl.gov.uk) TfL said the Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground and trams are running normally during the Tube strike, though they are expected to be much busier than usual. The vast majority of buses are also running, but TfL said seven Stagecoach-operated routes face separate strike action from 5 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday. (tfl.gov.uk) The Standard reported that London business groups had urged both sides to reach a deal, warning that repeated stoppages would disrupt commuters, visitors and central London trade. TfL’s public advice on Thursday was simpler: check before traveling and use alternative rail, bus or walking routes where possible. (standard.co.uk) (tfl.gov.uk)