LONDON, April 19, 2026 – Millions of Londoners face a weekend of travel chaos as members of the ASLEF union begin a 48-hour walkout over pay and working conditions. With several key lines completely suspended, Transport for London (TfL) has issued a “do not travel unless essential” warning for Sunday.
Which Lines are Affected?
The strike action has crippled the majority of the network. As of Sunday morning, the following status has been confirmed:
- Central & Piccadilly Lines: Completely suspended.
- Victoria & Jubilee Lines: Severe delays with limited service.
- Elizabeth Line: Operating a reduced service, expected to be extremely crowded.
- London Overground: Running normally but facing “knock-on” pressure.
The Union’s Stance
A spokesperson for the ASLEF union stated that the strike is a “last resort” following failed negotiations over a new 4% pay offer, which they claim does not keep pace with the 2026 cost of living in the capital. Meanwhile, City Hall has called the strike “unnecessary and deeply damaging” to London’s retail and hospitality sectors.
Alternative Routes and Advice
To navigate the city today, commuters are advised to use the London bus network, though many routes are already seeing record passenger numbers. The Thames Clippers (Uber Boat) and the Santander Cycles scheme are expected to be the fastest ways to cross Central London during the peak hours of the strike.
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