London public transport usage at 86% during driver strike

Journeys across London using public transport on Thursday during the latest day of strike action by drivers were at 86% of their usual levels, according to Transport for London (TfL).

Figures based on Oyster and contactless data show mixed trends compared with the same day last year: London Underground travel was down 43%, while use of the London Overground rose 12%, the Elizabeth line increased 18%, and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) saw a 9% rise.

TfL said about 60% of Tube drivers reported for duty on Thursday morning, slightly up on Tuesday.

Staffing levels varied by line, with 91% of Jubilee line drivers at work, along with 80% on the Bakerloo and 75% on the Metropolitan line.

The RMT said its previous strike on Tuesday "was strongly supported by RMT members with well attended picket lines at Tube stations and depots".

"We have committed, a number of times and in a number of ways, including in writing before this most recent industrial action, to these proposals being voluntary.

"Any suggestion otherwise is misleading the public in order to justify strike action over proposals that would give Tube drivers more time off and create a more modern, efficient Tube service.

"Despite the strike, we are still running services across most lines, and a good service has operated on the Jubilee line for much of the day.

"More drivers have come to work today than on Tuesday, and we will continue to do all we can to provide as much service as possible."