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We were hoping that the 24-hour tube strike planned to kick off this Sunday evening might have been called off by now, but no such luck. The dispute is over the closure of ticket offices, and station staff from the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) union are set to walkout from 6pm on Sunday January 8 for 24 hours. The unions have been in talks with the London Underground to try and resolve the issue, but it looks like the strike will go ahead. Here's what you need to know.
1. Most Underground stations in Zone 1 will be closed
Good luck getting to work on Monday if you work in central London, as most Zone 1 stations will be closed during the strike. Some Zone 1 stations will open later and close earlier than usual.
2. There will be a limited service on some lines
The District line is a bit dodgy on a good day, but during the strike, TfL will be operating a limited service on the District, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines – and trains won't be stopping at all stations, either.
3. The Victoria line will be COMPLETELY shut down
That's right, no Victoria line, at all. So don't expect to get between north and south London in a hurry. Oh, and the Waterloo and City line (all two stops) will be out of use, too. There will also be no service between North Acton and West Ruislip on the Central line and the Piccadilly line will be running to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3, but not to Terminals 4 or 5.
4. Loads of major stations will be out of action
Hoping to get on a tube at one of London's busiest stations? Not on Monday, pal. There will be no Underground services from key interchange stations, including Victoria, King's Cross, Waterloo, Paddington, Euston, Bank and London Bridge.
Good luck out there, folks.
Photo: James Beard