The whole London Underground network will be “substantially disrupted” next week by a planned strike by train drivers, passengers have been warned.
Members of the Aslef union are set to walk out for 24 hours on Thursday October 5 in a dispute over working conditions.
Nigel Holness, director of network operations for London Underground, said: “Should the planned strike action go ahead, there will be substantial disruption.
“We will do everything possible to ensure customers can get around on alternative transport services and have the right information to help them do this.
“We are committed to ensuring that our employees are able to maintain a good balance between their work and personal lives and we have been working closely with the unions on new ways to achieve this.
“I encourage the Aslef leadership to continue working with us constructively rather than moving towards unnecessary strike action.”
The strike will hit football fans travelling to Wembley for England’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.
England’s World Cup qualifier with Slovenia at Wembley will be affected by the tube strike (Nick Potts/PA)
TfL warned that other transport services will be busier than usual as passengers seek alternative routes.
Bus services are likely to be “exceptionally” busy across the capital, it said, and urged people to walk if possible.
Road journeys could also take significantly longer than normal, so people were advised to drive through central London only if “absolutely necessary”.
Extra buses and Santander Cycle hubs will be provided should the strike go ahead and TfL is exploring options to help get supporters to Wembley Stadium.
The dispute is about the progress of joint initiatives set up last year between TfL and the unions to improve the work/life balance of Tube drivers.
A four-day, 36-hour working week was trialled on the Jubilee line for drivers, which is now being analysed.
TfL said it has met its commitments and has been in “constructive” discussions with Aslef at the conciliatory service Acas in order to resolve the dispute.
Further talks are scheduled early next week.