Bus strike hitting commuters in Newham

Colin Grainger , Editor Friday, June 22, 2012
8:05 AM

Bus workers in Newham are on strike in a dispute over bonus pay for working during the Olympics.

They are taking part in the London wide strike.

Transport for London (TfL) said thousands of workers are taking part and as of 7.30am around a quarter of bus routes were running Passengers are being urged to use other transport services, walk or cycle where possible.They are also being advised to check before they travel at www.tfl.gov.uk/buses or phone 0845 604 4141

TfL said staff and volunteers would be at key bus stations including Stratford and on streets to advise passengers and hand out walking maps.

Thousands of people are using their cars, leading to incressed congestion on Newham’s known trouble spots like the A13 Newham Way and Romford Road.

Passengers can use their bus passes on “reasonable alternative routes”.

They can also check for bus arrival times using the Countdown next bus arrival service online, on their mobile devices using www.tfl.gov.uk

Travel alerts are being provided through Twitter on @TfLTravelAlerts.

A full service will also be operated by London River Services, which includes River Bus services that operate high frequency services between various key piers.

During the course of the strike bus passes will be accepted on reasonable alternative routes on Tube, DLR, and London Overground – affected passengers should seek assistance from staff at the gate lines.

TfL has also emailed around 1.5 million registered bus users advising them of the likely disruption and urging them to check before they travel.

Additional distribution staff will work throughout today to ensure Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme docking stations are able to meet demand at key locations.