Bus passengers across East and Northeast London are being urged to prepare for significant travel disruption as bus drivers employed by Stagecoach plan four days of strikes in December 2025 and January 2026.
The industrial action, stemming from a dispute at the Lea Interchange Bus Garage in Leyton, will result in little or no service on 13 routes that are vital to commuters, shoppers, and local hospital staff at Whipps Cross and Homerton across our area.
The Strike Dates You Need to Know
The strikes are planned for two weekends, affecting both the busy festive shopping period and the start of the new year:
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Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December 2025
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Thursday 8 and Friday 9 January 2026
| Location | Routes Affected. | Impact. |
| Stratford (City and International) | 97, 276, 308, 339, 678, D8 | Severe impact on those travelling to Westfield, the Olympic Park, and major rail interchange. |
| Walthamstow Central | 58, 97, W13 | Critical transport connections will be cut off, including the routes serving Walthamstow Market. |
| Romford / East Ham | 86 (delays/cancellations) | While not a complete walkout, delays on the Route 86 will impact those travelling between Romford, Ilford, and Stratford, affecting Havering and Redbridge commuters. |
| Local Hospitals | W13, W14, 488 | Routes serving or passing close to Whipps Cross Hospital and Homerton University Hospital are set to be affected, causing issues for staff and visitors. |
| Hackney / Leyton | 236, 339, 488, D8 | Major routes through parts of Leyton, Clapton, and Hackney Wick will be out of service. |
There is expected to be little or no service on the following routes: 58, 97, 135, 276, 236, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14, 678. Route 86 may face significant delays or cancellations.
Advice for Travellers
Tube and Rail services will run as normal, all other local bus routes may be significantly busier than usual.
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Plan Ahead: Use the TfL Go app or online Journey Planner to check for alternative routes.
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Alternative Transport: Consider using the Central, Jubilee, and Elizabeth Lines, or the Overground services as a substitute where possible.
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Allow Extra Time: Journeys are expected to take longer, especially during peak times.
The dispute involves Stagecoach drivers who are members of the Unite union. Stagecoach has stated that it “utterly refutes” the allegations made by the union but remains committed to resolving the issue to minimise disruption for passengers.