Tube strike today at 6.30pm: Is it still happening? How bad will it be?

Full details and information on London Tube strike, which starts tonight, including the best alternative transport options for getting around the city

Is tonight's Tube strike still happening?

Talks aimed at averting the Tube strike have failed, opening the door for a 24-hour walk-out by 20,000 London Underground workers, beginning this evening.

A 48-hour strike by First Great Western staff is also expected to cause disruption from Wednesday evening until Saturday morning. The train company runs routes from London Paddington, and in South Wales, the Cotswolds and the West of England. To check if your train is affected, see the First Great Western website.

Why are workers striking?

It’s all about a pay increase ahead of the launch of the 24-hour Night Tube in September. London Underground’s final offer, including a two per cent rise and a £2,000 bonus for drivers working on the all-night service, was rejected by representatives from four unions – RMT, Aslef, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) and Unite.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, however, has argued that the strike action is taking place because "pig-headed" union leaders want payback for the Conservatives winning the general election.

First Great Western staff are striking over plans to cut guards and buffet cars on the company’s new Hitachi Inter City Express trains.

Tube strike July 2015: when does it start and how bad will disruption be?

When will it start?

RMT, United and TSSA members are planning a 24-hour Tube strike from 18:30 tonight (July 8); ASLEF members from 21:30.

First Great Western staff will begin their 48-hour strike at 18:30 on Wednesday.

How bad will disruption be?

It will be very bad. Transport for London (TfL) warns that there will be no service whatsoever from “late afternoon” on July 8 (customers are advised to complete their journey by 18:00, and to travel earlier if possible) and no service at all on July 9. This does NOT include London Overground, DLR or tram services. For live updates check the TfL website.

First Great Western services “will be significantly affected from Thursday, July 9 to the start of service on Saturday, July 11, with minor alterations to some services on Wednesday, July 8 from 18.00”, the company said. It warns that capacity will be reduced and that trains will be extremely busy. Passengers – particularly those planning to travel to Cardiff for The Ashes on Thursday or Friday – are advised to make alternative travel arrangements if possible.

How will I get around?

As well as London Underground, DLR and tram services, Buses and National Rail services will still be running - but will no doubt be busy. TfL is putting around 200 extra buses on the roads, however (note that diversions are in place in the City of London on Thursday, July 9, from 18:30 to 20:30, for the Standard Chartered Great City Race). It has also produced this helpful map of key bus routes in central London.

For a scenic commute, see our guide to London’s best bus routes for sightseeing.

There’s also the Thames Clipper riverboat service, whose stops include Putney, Wandsworth Riverside, Chelsea Harbour, London Eye, Embankment, Blackfriars, Bankside, London Bridge, Tower Hill, Canary Wharf and Greenwich. Extra river services will be in place between Central London and Canary Wharf and between Central London and Putney.

Drivers can consult the AA website for suggested routes and updates on disruption (don't forget to pay the Congestion Charge).

The Emirates Air Line will be running until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday (Oyster cards accepted).

Coach companies such as National Express offer services that stop at London locations en route to Victoria Coach Station, such as Golders Green, Finchley Road, Baker Street and Marble Arch. For First Great Western customers, the firm is running extra services from London to the South West. For more information or to book visit www.nationalexpress.com or call 0871 781 8181.

Or get up early and go on foot. The weather forecast for Thursday is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of beautiful walking routes in the capital. TfL's map of walking routes is also handy.

How do I get to Wimbledon?

Wimbledon will still be served by bus, rail and tram services - see our guide for full details.

What about airports?

Heathrow Express services, and rail services to Luton, Stansted and Gatwick, will be running.

National Express will be increasing capacity on its Heathrow Airport routes, adding 36 extra services on Thursday.

Will I be compensated?

No. Refunds are not available if a delay is beyond the control of TfL, or if disruption is advertised in advance.

Where can I find information?

It also suggests following @TfLTravelAlerts on Twitter and signing up to its email updates.

First Great Western suggests checking for updates on Twitter - @fgw, calling 0345 7000 125 (7am – 10pm every day), or using "Help Points" at stations.