More than 1,500 bus drivers in London are set to walk out over 26 dates starting August 14, 2026, causing major disruption to 40 routes across north, east, central London and Essex. The industrial action, organized by the Unite union, stems from long-standing complaints about excessive heat in cabs, with temperatures reportedly exceeding 40°C during summer. The strikes will affect not only regular buses but also night services, school routes, and Superloop express routes.
Strike dates and timings
The walkouts are scheduled to begin at 4am on each start date and end at 4:30am on the following day, except for the first strike which ends at 4:30am on August 15. The full list of strike periods is as follows:
- August 14–15
- August 18–21
- August 25–28
- September 4–5
- September 7–8
- September 18–19
- September 21–22
- October 2–3
- October 5–6
- October 16–17
- October 19–20
Transport for London (TfL) has warned that "little or no service is expected on affected routes" during these strike dates.
Full list of affected bus routes
The 40 routes impacted by the strikes include:
- Regular routes: 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 121, 141, 149, 150, 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243, 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377
- Superloop routes: SL1, SL2
- Night buses: N19, N29, N41, N279
- School routes: 616, 675
- Other routes: W3, W4, W6
These services are operated from eight garages in north and east London, including Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green.
Why are drivers striking?
The Unite union says the dispute is due to Arriva London North's failure to address driver complaints about working conditions in hot weather. In-cab temperatures can exceed 40°C, and existing air-cooling systems only reduce heat by about two to three degrees, according to Unite. The union warns this can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and increased fatigue, posing risks to both drivers and passengers. Unite also alleges that the company has engaged in union-busting practices, which is part of the dispute.
Reactions from union and TfL
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Time and time again drivers have complained to Arriva North London about working in dangerous conditions but the company has failed to act which is completely unacceptable. A profitable company such as Arriva could easily invest in improving conditions for its drivers and protecting the general public but is instead prioritising greed. We will back our members all the way in this dispute."
In response, TfL stated: "We are working together on a range of measures to further improve working conditions, health and wellbeing. We are committed to ensuring that all staff have a fair work schedule, with safe vehicles and access to the facilities they need to carry out their roles effectively. We would like to reassure colleagues again that any reports from drivers are always fully investigated and our operators should never take action against people raising concerns about welfare."
Impact on passengers
Passengers on affected routes are advised to check before traveling, as services may be severely reduced or cancelled entirely. TfL recommends alternative travel options, including the Tube, Overground, and other bus routes not affected by the strikes. The strikes are expected to cause significant disruption for commuters, school children, and night-time travelers, particularly in areas such as Enfield, Tottenham, and Barking.
The industrial action is set to continue into October, with the final strike scheduled for October 19–20. Further negotiations between Unite and Arriva London North have not yet been announced, but both sides have expressed willingness to resolve the dispute.
