Tube drivers walked out for a third day in a dispute that has shut most of London’s Underground network and left commuters facing long delays, as reports emerged that the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has included travel concessions for leisure attractions among a list of demands.
The Telegraph reported that the union has sought a Priv travel card that would give members discounts and two‑for‑one access to attractions including Legoland, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures, as well as reduced fares on some mainline services. The drivers are also seeking higher pay and a shorter working week, proposals that Transport for London (TfL) says are unaffordable.
The strikes, called by RMT members, have left buses, the Elizabeth Line and London Overground overwhelmed as passengers seek alternatives. Footage and eyewitness reports showed long queues at bus stops, packed overground services and crowded station exits. TfL said the Elizabeth Line and Overground were the only lines operating normally and warned the reduced capacity across the network was causing severe disruption.
Tory critics seized on the reported leisure concessions. Keith Prince, a Conservative transport spokesman at City Hall, said Londoners would not welcome seeing the capital “brought to its knees” for discounted theme‑park tickets. “The RMT has brought the capital to its knees to demand discounted theme‑park tickets and an extra day off a week,” he said.
A union source told the Telegraph that “travel concessions are varied” and that “trips to Legoland don’t form part of any negotiation.” An RMT spokesperson said the action was not aimed at small businesses or the public but was a response to what it called TfL’s refusal to consider a modest reduction in weekly hours to address fatigue and long‑term health effects of shift work.
TfL said it had offered a 3.4 percent pay rise to staff and described proposals to reduce working hours from 35 to 32 per week as “simply unaffordable.” The body said it was “bitterly disappointed” the union had proceeded with strike action and urged members to consider the employer’s offer.
The disruption has prompted political pressure for a resolution. A Downing Street spokesman said Londoners were right to be fed up with the disruption and called on RMT and TfL to return to talks “in the interests of passengers.” The Mayor of London’s office said nobody wanted strikes and urged both sides to negotiate to reopen the network.
Some Labour figures expressed support for the union. Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, said she stood in “solidarity” with the RMT and cited concerns about fatigue and extreme shift rotations. The differing responses highlighted divisions across political lines over the dispute.
Transport staff and commuters reported specific problems at stations. TfL apologised after passengers at Debden on the Central Line were unable to leave a station promptly because barriers were inaccessible and staff arrived late. Commuters also reported journeys of several hours on routes that typically take far less time, and large numbers of people were seen walking across London Bridge to reach alternative stations.
Business groups warned of economic consequences if the strikes continue. Muniya Barua, deputy chief executive at BusinessLDN, said small businesses that rely on footfall — notably in hospitality, retail and culture — would be hit hard. No10 said firms that depend on the Tube for customers and staff would be “fed up” with the strikes, while industry sources estimated the cost to the capital’s economy could run into the hundreds of millions of pounds over the week.
Event organisers have already adjusted schedules. Coldplay announced it had postponed two Wembley concerts originally scheduled for early September, citing the inability to move tens of thousands of people safely without a Tube service. Other large events have warned of potential disruption should rail access remain limited.
Further disruption may follow later in the week: drivers for First Bus have announced planned industrial action across parts of west, northwest and southwest London that would begin early Friday, Sept. 12, and run to Monday, Sept. 15, should the Tube network still be affected.
Negotiations remain stalled as both sides maintain contrasting positions on pay and working hours. TfL continues to present its revised pay offer and says shorter weeks would be unaffordable, while the RMT presses for changes it says are necessary to protect members’ health. With no agreement reached, commuters and businesses across the capital are preparing for continued travel uncertainty in the days ahead.