LONDON TUBE STRIKES START TODAY: Where disruption hits in the capital and the best way to secure a taxi
- Perry Richardson
- 56 minutes ago
- 2 min read
London’s transport network is set for sustained disruption this week as RMT Tube driver strike action impacts the Transport for London network between Tuesday 21 April and Friday 24 April.
The strike begins at 12:00 on Tuesday 21 April, with services running as normal until mid-morning before reducing sharply from midday. Disruption will continue across Wednesday 22 April and into the morning of Friday 24 April, when strike action ends at 12:00. However, TfL has warned that services will take several hours to recover, meaning disruption is likely to continue into Friday afternoon and early evening.
The level of service will vary across the network, but TfL expects a reduced timetable on most lines throughout the strike period. Some routes will see no service at all, including the Piccadilly and Circle lines. Sections of the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street are also expected to be suspended, creating significant gaps across central London.
Passengers face four days of disruption across the Underground network, with taxi availability expected to tighten significantly in central London.
While other lines including the Elizabeth line, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and trams will continue to operate, they are expected to absorb a large share of displaced demand. This shift is likely to place additional pressure on the capital’s road network and, in turn, the taxi and private hire sector.
How should I go about finding a taxi during a Tube Strike?
The disruption typically translates into a sharp rise in demand for taxis, particularly in central London zones where Underground closures leave limited alternatives. Industry experience during previous strike action suggests demand becomes highly concentrated, with taxis effectively operating on a ‘one in, one out’ basis in busy areas. Vehicles dropping off passengers are often immediately re-hired, leaving little idle capacity on ranks or cruising the streets plying-for-hire.
Taxi ranks across key transport hubs, rail stations and high-footfall locations are expected to be busy throughout the day. While ranks remain one of the most reliable ways to secure a cab, waiting times are likely to increase significantly during peak periods as supply struggles to keep pace with demand.
Passengers may improve their chances of securing a taxi by adjusting how and where they attempt to hail one. Rather than relying solely on ranks, positioning at high turnover drop-off points such as major hotels and busy commercial areas can increase the likelihood of quickly finding an available cab. These locations often see a steady flow of taxis completing journeys and becoming immediately available for new hires.
Timing will also play a role. Demand is expected to spike during traditional commuting hours, particularly late afternoon and early evening when disrupted passengers seek alternative routes home. Travelling outside peak periods, where possible, may improve availability slightly.
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