In September 2025, London experienced a five-day standstill. Metro workers, represented by the RMT union, went on strike over pay and working conditions. The Tube - the backbone of the city’s transport system - was almost completely shut down, forcing millions to switch to alternative modes.
The data shows the disruption clearly:
Oyster card usage dropped by 24%; buses grew just +5%; Overground ridership surged +20%; bike rentals spiked significantly.
The economic hit was staggering: UKHospitality estimates losses of around £600 million, with restaurant bookings collapsing by 67%.
What about freight? The Tube is a passenger-only network, so cargo transport itself wasn’t halted. However, London’s streets became overcrowded with commuters and private vehicles, creating congestion that directly impacted deliveries. For freight operators, this meant longer lead times, unpredictable routes, and extra costs.
Infrastructure fragility. Removing one key link - like the Tube - triggers a chain reaction across the system. Alternative routing is vital. Overground and buses absorbed some demand but with inevitable delays. Mobility drives business. If employees can’t reach work or suppliers face delays, the economy bleeds millions. Resilience strategies matter. For freight, solutions include night deliveries, flexible scheduling, and buffer warehouses.
