Your commute, ready for the next strike
Build a personal backup plan once. Pull it out every time the tubes stop running. Compare bus, bike, walk, and side options side by side with real timing and cost estimates.
No account needed. Everything runs in your browser.
Build Your Contingency Plan
Why prepare a plan before the strike
Strikes move fast
TfL strike announcements often come 24 to 48 hours ahead. By then, everyone is scrambling for the same buses and bike docks. A ready plan saves you that first stressful hour.
Not all backups fit everyone
Bike share is quick if you live near a dock. Bus routes get packed in central London. Walking is free but only realistic for shorter trips. This planner matches options to your actual constraints.
One plan, every strike
Your commute does not change much between strikes. Save this plan once. Open it next time, check the live TfL alerts, and you are ready.
Show your employer
Some workplaces ask for a contingency plan before approving remote days. The print or copy output gives you something clear to share with your manager or HR team.
Common mistakes during strikes
Ignoring last-bus times
Night buses are not always running during a strike. If your plan involves going home late, double-check the last bus on your route.
Assuming bike-share docks will have bikes
Popular stations empty out fast on strike days. Check the TfL Go app for live dock status before you leave.
Forgetting the walk to the bus stop
Your nearest bus stop might be different for the routes that replace tube lines. Add five to ten minutes for the walk.
Not checking your employer policy
Some companies allow remote work during strikes, others do not. Check your policy before assuming you can work from home.
Leaving at the usual time
Roads are busier on strike days. If you are driving or taking a taxi, leave earlier than you think you need to.
No backup for the backup
Have a second option in case your first choice falls through. Maybe a different bus route or a friend who can offer a lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my commute is outside central London?
The planner works for any London-area commute. Just enter your actual home and work postcode areas. The presets cover zones 1 to 6, but custom entries work for outer boroughs and nearby towns.
Can I use this for bus or rail strikes too?
Yes. The same backup modes apply. For rail strikes, pay extra attention to last-train times and replacement bus services, which are often slower than regular trains.
How accurate are the cost estimates?
Costs are based on typical TfL pay-as-you-go fares, bike-share day passes, and average daily parking. Actual costs depend on your Oyster or contactless payment method and any employer travel subsidies.
Does this work on my phone?
Yes. The planner works in any modern browser. You can save your plan to the browser and open it again later. The print layout also works from mobile, though a laptop gives a better print result.
What should I check on the actual strike day?
Check TfL live travel alerts for service changes. Confirm bike-share availability at your nearest station. Let your team know your backup plan. If working from home, test your VPN or remote setup the day before.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser. Your commute details stay on your device unless you use the Share Link button, which encodes them in the URL.