More than 1,500 bus drivers in London will walk out for 26 days, causing severe disruption on 42 routes across North, East, and Central London. The first 24-hour strike is set for Friday, August 14, with further walkouts continuing until Tuesday, October 20. The action, organised by Unite the union, targets Arriva North London over allegedly "unacceptable" heatwave conditions in the workplace.
Drivers demand effective air conditioning
Unite says drivers are forced to work in temperatures of 40C and above because the buses' air cooling systems are not fit for purpose. The current systems only draw in outside air, which can be hotter than the cabin, leading drivers to describe their cabs as "greenhouses". This creates serious safety risks, as fatigue increases the likelihood of crashes, endangering drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
The strike affects drivers based at eight garages: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green. These garages serve routes that are critical for many commuters, particularly in the northern parts of the capital.
Full list of affected bus routes
The 42 routes facing little to no service on strike days are: 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 121, 141, 149, 150, 158, 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243, 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, 616, 675, SL1, SL2, W3, W4, W6, N19, N29, N41, and N279.
These routes include key night buses (N19, N29, N41, N279) and superloop express services (SL1, SL2), which are vital for shift workers and late-night travellers. Commuters using these services are advised to seek alternative transport, as services will be severely reduced or non-existent during the strikes.
Union criticises Arriva's inaction
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." She added: "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."
The union has called on Arriva to fit all buses with effective air conditioning systems, a demand that remains unmet. Drivers have voiced concerns about their health and safety, with many reporting dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating in the extreme heat.
TfL urges passengers to plan ahead
A Transport for London spokesperson said: "Strike action is expected to impact local bus routes in north and some central London areas, however, the majority of London's bus network will still operate as planned on these days." They added: "Some bus routes may be busier than normal. We encourage customers who are affected to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel using our website or the TfL Go app. We encourage both parties to find a solution to this dispute and we're sorry for any disruption to people's journeys."
TfL emphasised that most of the capital's bus network will remain operational, but affected routes will see significant gaps in service. Passengers are being urged to check the TfL Go app or website for real-time updates before setting out.
Impact on commuters and local communities
The strikes will hit some of London's busiest corridors, including routes through Enfield, Tottenham, and Wood Green, which are heavily used by key workers, students, and shoppers. Night bus users, especially those relying on N19, N29, N41, and N279 for late-shift work, will face particular challenges, as alternative night transport options are limited.
Local businesses in affected areas may also see reduced footfall, as customers struggle to reach shops and services. Community groups have expressed concern about the strain on vulnerable residents, including the elderly and disabled, who depend on buses for essential journeys.
The dispute highlights broader issues around worker welfare during extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Unite has indicated that further strikes could be called if Arriva fails to address the drivers' demands, potentially extending the disruption beyond October 20.
Arriva North London has not yet issued a public response to the union's latest statements, but the company is under pressure to resolve the dispute swiftly to avoid prolonged disruption for Londoners. In the meantime, passengers are advised to familiarise themselves with alternative routes and allow extra time for their journeys.
