Tube strikes February 2014: How they will affect your journey (and stress levels)

Commuters advised to get their journeys in early

Disruption is expected across the Tube network (Getty)

Tube drivers are set to go on strike for 48 hours from 4 February, providing a legitimate excuse for your lateness to work (yay!) but shortening your time in bed as you prepare for a circuitous forced detour to the office (very boo). Here's a list of what will be affected and what you can do about it.

UPDATE:

Strike timings

Approx 9.30pm on Tuesday 4 February until the morning of Friday 7 February.

Approx 9.30pm on Tuesday 11 February until the morning of Friday 14 February.

Tube

London Underground haven't given any indication as to which lines will be worst affected yet so it's best to prepare for every one of them being a new and unique kind of torture, with disruption due to end Friday morning. The RMT and TSSA unions have both ordered members to strike, but public transport workers who do turn up for work will attempt some semblance of service.

DLR

Normal service expected, bar some potential problems at stations where there's a Tube interchange.

Buses

Will no doubt be groaning under the strain of the extra commuters, but over a hundred extra buses have been added to key routes to try and combat this. Naturally this means the roads will be busier than ever however.

Over 100 buses will be added in a bid to combat queues (Getty)

London Overground

Same deal as the DLR - normal service bar any tube crossover issues

Cycling

Many will turn to bicycles as an alternative mode of transport, but be mindful of the increased demand for Boris Bikes.

River services

There are to be 'enhanced river services', which sadly doesn't mean rear-mounted slides but there will be extra boats on Route RB1 between Greenland (Surrey Quays) / Canary Wharf and London Bridge.

Any other tips?

Try to complete journeys as early as possible, says TfL, and make use of the so-called 'ambassadors' being laid on at stations to provide travel advice.

TfL is urging businesses across London to be flexible, to encourage staff too cycle to work and allow them to wear casual clothes, though maybe check with your boss before you turn up in your jammies.

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