Everything passengers and drivers need to know about disrupted services, pay disputes and strike action in London.
This page explains why bus strikes happen, who is involved, what routes are affected and what passengers can expect when action is announced.
This guide is kept updated as new information becomes available.
Table of Contents
What Are London Bus Strikes
Bus strikes happen when drivers or engineers stop work as part of an industrial dispute. They are usually organised by Unite the Union, the only recognised union for London bus workers, when negotiations with an operator break down.
Strikes can involve:
pay disputes
ADVERTISEMENTsafety concerns
rota issues
working hours
staffing shortages
disagreements over working conditions
When a strike is confirmed, operators will either reduce their timetables, withdraw certain routes or suspend some services completely.
Why Do London Bus Strikes Happen
Strikes usually happen when drivers feel conditions or pay no longer match the demands of the job.
London bus work involves long hours, split duties, road congestion, pressure from schedules and high responsibility for passenger safety.
When talks fail, unions may ballot members for action.
Pay disputes
Drivers often strike when pay rises fall behind inflation or do not match the rising cost of living in London.
Safety concerns and fatigue
Long duties and changing rotas can cause fatigue. Drivers may raise concerns about road safety or working conditions.
Contractual changes
Changes to sick pay, overtime, grading, working patterns or holiday rules often lead to disagreements.
Staffing levels
Garages with shortages of drivers or controllers may see higher stress levels, missed breaks and added pressure.
Shift patterns and working hours
Split duties, early and late shifts and long stretches behind the wheel can cause disputes if not managed fairly.
Who Is Involved in London Bus Strikes
Bus strikes in London are organised through formal industrial action ballots.
Only one union is officially recognised across the London bus network:
Unite the Union
Unite is the sole recognised union for London bus drivers and most engineering staff.
They represent the majority of operational workers across all major London bus companies.
All bus driver strike ballots, negotiations, and formal disputes in London are handled by Unite.
Bus Operators
Strike action affects different companies depending on where negotiations have broken down.
The main operators include:
Arriva London
Go Ahead London
Stagecoach London
Metroline
First Bus London (formerly RATP Dev Transit London)
Uno Bus (operates a small number of TfL school routes)
Each operator negotiates pay and conditions separately, which is why some companies face strikes while others do not.
Which Bus Routes Are Affected During Strikes
Strike action affects different routes depending on which garages are involved.
If a whole operator is affected, multiple garages may see full or partial closures.
Some routes continue to run a limited service using available staff or controllers.
Passengers can expect:
cancelled journeys
long gaps between buses
early finish times
disruptions at major terminals
For route by route coverage, check the Transport for London updates or our Transport News section on London Bus Forums.
What Passengers Should Expect During London Bus Strikes
Strike days create significant disruption across the capital.
Passengers may experience:
Reduced frequency
Buses may run every 20 to 40 minutes instead of normal peak frequencies.
Route suspensions
Some routes may not run at all if a garage is closed.
Longer journey times
Heavier road traffic and higher passenger demand often slow down travel.
Accessibility concerns
Passengers are advised to allow extra time and check live travel updates before starting their journey.
When Are the Next London Bus Strikes
Dates for strike action change depending on union ballots and negotiations.
When new strike dates are announced, we will update this section with confirmed information, garage involvement and affected routes.
Westbourne Park (First Bus London)
Unite members at Westbourne Park Bus Garage are taking industrial action, following an escalating dispute over pay and conditions. Full report here.
The confirmed strike dates are:
- 05:00 Friday 24 October to 05:00 Saturday 25 October
- 05:00 Monday 27 October to 05:00 Tuesday 28 October
- 05:00 Tuesday 4 November to 05:00 Friday 7 November
- 05:00 Friday 14 November to 05:00 Saturday 15 November
- 05:00 Monday 17 November to 05:00 Wednesday 19 November
- 05:00 Wednesday 26 November to 05:00 Saturday 29 November
Routes affected
Routes 13, 23, 31, 218, 295, 452, and N31, covering west, northwest, and southwest London.
- Routes 13, 23, and 295 are 24-hour routes.
- Severe disruption or no service is expected on these lines during strike days.
All other services
Other bus routes, Tube, rail and Overground will run normally but may be busier than usual.
This latest walkout follows earlier strikes across West London. Read our previous coverage for background.
Stagecoach Lea Interchange (December – Dates TBC)
Drivers at Stagecoach’s Lea Interchange Bus Garage are set to strike in December as part of an escalating dispute over representation and working conditions. Exact strike dates are expected to be confirmed following union negotiations and further ballots.
This industrial action is likely to cause severe disruption across large parts of East London, particularly around Stratford, Hackney, Ilford, Poplar, Leyton, and Walthamstow.
Routes affected
A total of thirteen major bus routes are expected to be impacted:
- 97
- 58
- 86
- 135
- 236
- 276
- 308
- 339
- 488
- D8
- W13
- W14
- 678
Significant delays, reduced frequency or full cancellations are likely during the strike period.
Further updates will be added once Stagecoach, Unite the Union and TfL confirm the exact strike dates.
For the full breaking news report, read our dedicated update: London Bus Drivers Strike – December Christmas Travel Disruption.
How to Stay Updated on London Bus Strikes in 2025
You can stay informed through:
Social media updates from drivers and passengers
Bookmark this page for regular updates as soon as new information becomes available.
How London Bus Strikes Impact the City
Strikes affect more than just bus users. The wider impact includes:
increased congestion on main roads
pressure on the Tube and Overground
delays for schoolchildren
missed medical appointments
impact on shift workers
extra costs for passengers needing alternative transport
For operators, strikes can mean financial penalties, missed mileage deductions and reputational challenges.
London Bus Strike FAQs
Are London buses running during strikes
Some buses run, but many routes operate a reduced service.
Why do London bus drivers go on strike
Most strikes relate to pay, safety concerns, staff shortages or contractual changes.
How long do bus strikes last
Action may last one day, several days or across multiple weeks depending on negotiations.
Do night buses run during strikes
Night services may run if enough staff are available, but this varies by operator.
Can I get compensation for disrupted travel
Buses are a turn up and go service, so TfL does not offer refunds for delays.
Are school bus services affected
Some school routes may be suspended depending on garage involvement.
Summary
Bus strikes continue to play a major role in London transport.
They highlight the pressures faced by drivers and the challenges operators face in maintaining essential services.
As negotiations evolve, this page will be updated with the latest strike information, route changes and passenger advice.
