Tube strikes set to grind London to a halt this September – What taxi drivers need to know
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 2
London’s Underground network is facing a full-scale shutdown in early September as strike action once again hits the capital. From Friday 5 to Thursday 11 September, the city’s entire tube network, plus parts of the DLR, will be out of action, leaving Londoners and visitors scrambling for alternatives. For cab drivers, the coming week could mean extra business, extra traffic, and extra patience.
What’s happening and when?
It all kicks off from 6pm on Friday 5 September. After that, the Underground is effectively closed for six days straight. All lines from Bakerloo through to Waterloo & City will be down. On top of that, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) joins the strike from Sunday 7 September.
If you’re out working the circuit, here’s how the week is shaping up:
Friday 5 September – Last trains before 6pm. After that, nothing moves.
Saturday 6 September – Total shutdown on all Underground lines.
Sunday 7 to Thursday 11 September – No tube, no DLR.
The only TfL rail services not striking are the Elizabeth line and London Overground. But even they’re not immune to delays. Expect heavy passenger loads, temporary station closures, and possible engineering works.
What it means for the taxi trade
In a word: busy. Tube strikes mean thousands more people above ground looking for a way home, to work or to the airport. That’s good news for fares, but it comes with a few headaches.
Expect heavy congestion in central London and key interchange areas like King’s Cross, Waterloo, Liverpool Street, Paddington. Bus stops will be rammed, and roads near train stations could see long queues. Don’t be surprised if passengers are a little more desperate (or flustered) than usual.
There’s also the usual increase in short hops. People who’d normally jump on the Northern line to go two stops will be looking for cabs instead, especially in the rain or after work.
A few heads-up for the week ahead
Plan routes carefully, particularly if you’re working near major tube stations or along closed lines. You might need to dodge some unusual gridlocks.
Stay on top of TfL updates. While the Elizabeth line and Overground are meant to run, there are whispers of engineering works that could slow things down. That means even more people needing alternatives.
