Tube strike underway today impacting TfL services

Disruption is expected across the tube network today as strike action is taken by staff over the reduction of 600 staff at stations.

The RMT action will see stations close though trains will run, yet call at stations that are often closed.

The action is opposed to cuts to 600 staff though TfL claim no redundancies, and the cuts will be made by no new hiring of staff as others leave.

A reduction in station staffing does seem counter productive to many who use networks such as Southeastern Metro, where unstaffed or understaffed stations result in little safety presence at times and where fare evasion is incredibly easy. Even extremely busy stations are often left understaffed with gates open.

The lack of staffing on SE Metro has also seen new station buildings in the midst of heavy growth such as Kidbrooke and Lewisham either compromised (Kidbrooke with the station design cut back late on to remove ticket gates) or mothballed (Lewisham where a new entrance hasn’t opened at base of tower).

There may be short term savings by cutting station staff, but if people quickly work out where they can avoid paying and a lack of staffing increases antisocial behaviour, that does little for long term appeal of the network or revenue.

However, TfL have to now enact cuts due to the Treasury and Department for Transport pushing heavy cuts.

The Elizabeth line and DLR will run, though are expected to be very busy. The DLR is NOT running from Shadwell to Bank.