London braces for second day of Tube strike disruption

A London Underground drivers’ strike will bring another day of transport disruption to the capital on Thursday, after the RMT union confirmed its action would go ahead.

Transport for London (TfL) urged the union to call off the strike, the second 24-hour stoppage this week in a dispute over the introduction of a four-day working week.

While passengers have been warned to check before they travel, with little or no service expected on some lines, TfL said that Tuesday’s strike did not close most of the network, after more drivers than expected reported for work.

The proposed change to the drivers’ working week has been strongly welcomed by the rival Aslef union, which represents just over half of Tube drivers in London, but blocked by the RMT.

TfL said that 60% of drivers worked on Tuesday, a figure that suggests many RMT members also did not go on strike.

A tired commuter on the Elizabeth line during the first of two 24-hour strikes. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The union has accused TfL of trying to force through working changes, although TfL has said the proposals are voluntary. No further talks have taken place since negotiations at Acas ended without resolution on Monday.

No service is expected on the Circle line, Piccadilly line and central sections of the Metropolitan and Central lines on Thursday, with other lines due to start later and finish earlier with less frequent services than usual.

However, other rail services including the Elizabeth line, London Overground, national rail and DLR services will run as normal. Buses will probably be crowded and slowed by more congested roads than usual.