Arriva bus strikes to halt 40 North London routes from 14 August
Tube and rail urged as alternatives while drivers walk out for 18 days across three months
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Headline overstates impact with 'weeks of strikes' despite limited dates.
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Bus services across North London will be suspended on 18 days between August and October after Arriva London North drivers voted to strike. The first walkout begins at 04:00 on 14 August 2026, Transport for London confirmed.
More than 40 routes will be affected, including day and night services that serve Barnet, Enfield and Haringey. TfL warned that little or no service should be expected on the listed routes during each strike period.
Arriva bus drivers in Barnet and north London to strike over cab heat risks
Walkouts in August, September and October 2026 will disrupt services across eight garages including Palmers Green and Wood Green
Which routes stop and when
The affected routes are the 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 121, 141, 149, 150, 158, 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243, 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, 616, 675, SL1, SL2, W3, W4, W6, N19, N29, N41 and N279.
Strike dates are 14-15 August, 18-21 August, 25-28 August, 4-5 September, 7-8 September, 18-19 September, 21-22 September, 2-3 October, 5-6 October, 16-17 October and 19-20 October.
1,500 Arriva bus drivers to strike from 14 August disrupting 40 routes
Unite members at eight north and east London garages walk out over cab temperatures and alleged union-busting
What TfL advises
Transport for London has told passengers to plan ahead and use alternative transport. The Piccadilly, Victoria and Northern lines are suggested for journeys that normally rely on the affected buses.
London Overground stations at Highbury & Islington, Seven Sisters, South Tottenham, Walthamstow Central and Chingford may also provide alternatives. National Rail services from Enfield, Edmonton, Tottenham, Wood Green and Finsbury Park are recommended for longer trips.
Some buses run by other operators may still serve parts of the same corridors, but TfL expects these to be busier than usual. Passengers are urged to check live updates on TfL’s Journey Planner or the TfL Go app before leaving home.
Why the strikes are happening
The dispute involves pay and working conditions for Arriva London North drivers. Neither Arriva nor the trade union has released the exact demands, so it is unclear what settlement would end the strikes.
What happens next
The first strike begins at 04:00 on 14 August. No further talks between Arriva and the union have been announced, so the planned dates remain in place unless an agreement is reached.
Questions this report answers
+Which bus routes will stop during the strikes?
More than 40 routes operated by Arriva London North will stop, including the 19, 41, 102, 141, 221, 259, 307, 341, W3 and N29. A full list is published by Transport for London.
+How long will the strikes last?
Strikes are planned for 18 days between 14 August and 20 October 2026. Each strike period lasts 24 hours, starting at 04:00 on the first day and ending at 04:00 the following day.
+What should I do if my bus is cancelled?
Transport for London advises using Tube lines, London Overground or National Rail. Alternative buses may run but are expected to be busier. Check TfL’s Journey Planner before travelling.
+Will the strikes be called off if a deal is reached?
Yes, if Arriva and the union agree on pay and conditions, the planned strikes could be cancelled. No further talks have been announced, so the current dates remain in place.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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