London Sees New Massive Travel Chaos Today and is Set to Continue Till Tomorrow

Published on September 1, 2025

In London, commuters are facing significant disruptions due to strike action on over 60 bus routes across the city. The strike, which started today, will continue until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Travelers are advised to expect little or no service on First Bus services, with other buses in the area experiencing higher than normal passenger volumes. In addition to bus disruptions, delays are also occurring on the District Line and other transportation services due to ongoing issues.

This article provides an in-depth look at the latest developments on London’s public transport, including train disruptions, bus strike updates, and traffic delays. Here’s a summary of what commuters need to know as disruptions continue.

Strike Action Disrupts Bus Services Across London

The First Bus strike has caused significant disruptions to bus services in London. Over 60 bus routes are affected, and commuters can expect limited or no service on these routes. Travelers are urged to find alternative forms of transport, with the Tube and rail services serving as viable alternatives. Bus routes such as 13, 18, 23, 31, and 49 are among those impacted, with more routes like N33, N18, and N148 also facing cancellations.

As a result of these strikes, local buses that are not directly impacted by the action are experiencing higher-than-usual traffic. This will make commuting more time-consuming, so passengers should plan ahead and allow for extra travel time.

Delays on the District Line and Other Train Services

In addition to the bus strikes, there are delays on the District Line of the London Underground. Eastbound services between Tower Hill and Upminster are currently delayed due to the late finish of engineering work at South Ealing. Although trains are running at a reduced speed, tickets are being accepted on alternative services such as the Elizabeth Line, Mildmay Line, South Western Railway, and C2C to mitigate the delays.

Commuters who are planning to travel between these areas should check for real-time updates and consider using alternative lines where possible. Train services between Paddington and Newbury are also facing disruptions due to a fault with the signaling system. Trains are running at a reduced speed and may be canceled or delayed by up to 20 minutes. Disruption on these services is expected to last until 8:30 a.m..

Traffic Delays on the M25 and Other Major Roads

In addition to public transport issues, traffic delays are being reported on major roads in and around London. There are currently delays of up to 10 minutes on the M25 anticlockwise entry slip at junction 19. The congestion is expected to clear by 7:45 a.m., but travelers should plan accordingly and anticipate delays when entering or exiting the M25.

Another traffic delay is occurring due to a broken-down vehicle on the M25 anticlockwise at junction 22, which is causing delays of up to 10 minutes. The issue has been resolved, and traffic is expected to return to normal by 7:15 a.m., though the congestion may persist at the exit slip until 7:45 a.m..

London Tram and Rail Disruptions

In addition to the bus and train delays, there have been disruptions on the London Tram system. Part suspensions are occurring between East Croydon and Sandilands due to a broken-down bus on the tracks at Lebanon Road. Minor delays are being experienced on the rest of the tram line, but service should gradually return to normal as the issue is resolved.

At Liverpool Street, major delays have been cleared after a rail fault was fixed, but disruptions continue with some trains running up to 20 minutes late as services recover. Passengers traveling between Liverpool Street and other destinations should check for service updates.

Flooded Railway Lines and Alternative Travel Options

An unexpected weather event has caused flooding on the railway lines between Gatwick Airport and Horsham. This has resulted in reduced-speed train operations and the possibility of cancellations or delays of up to 30 minutes. Southern and Thameslink are working in collaboration with Network Rail to manage the situation by deploying pumps and flood barriers. Passengers are advised to use alternative services where possible.

In response to these conditions, Southern and Thameslink have arranged alternative ticket acceptance on several Metrobus routes and South Western Railway services. Affected routes include Gatwick, Three Bridges, and Crawley, with services being extended to cover stations where trains have been delayed or canceled. This is particularly important for travelers who need to reach London Waterloo or other key stations in the south of England.

Updates on Liverpool Street and Other Rail Stations

The disruption at Liverpool Street Station was caused by a broken rail, leading to delays in train operations. Although the issue has now been resolved, there may still be delays of up to 20 minutes for passengers using services departing from or arriving at Liverpool Street. The services are expected to return to normal by 11:00 a.m. as the schedules are restored.

Ambulance Service Confirms No Injuries in M20 Crash

In a separate incident, the South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that there were no injuries in a multi-vehicle crash on the M20. The crash involved two cars and two lorries. However, the M20 remains closed westbound between Ashford (junction 9) and Maidstone (junction 8) while debris and damage to the central reservation are being cleared. The road is expected to reopen shortly, but traffic may continue to be slow-moving in the area.

How to Navigate London’s Transport During These Disruptions

For travelers in London looking to avoid the disruptions, alternative travel options are available. The Tube system, while experiencing some delays, remains a reliable option for getting around the city, particularly on unaffected lines such as the Bakerloo and Victoria Lines. For those traveling by bus, the routes affected by the First Bus strike should be avoided, with alternative options on the Tube and overground rail services.

Passengers are advised to monitor the real-time updates on transport apps and websites, including the Transport for London (TfL) website, for the latest information on Tube, train, and bus services. In case of severe delays, Uber and other private hire services can also be used as backup options for local travel.

Travel in London is currently experiencing a range of disruptions, from bus strikes to train delays and traffic congestion. Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative routes where possible. With London’s transportation system facing delays on multiple fronts, staying updated with real-time information is essential for smooth travel. The ongoing issues are expected to clear in due time, but travelers should be prepared for delays and adjust their schedules accordingly.