London commuters who were expecting smooth weekend travels were left disappointed and disorientated yesterday after the suspension of RMT strikes which would have impacted the running of Network Rail lines on the 5th, 7th and 9th of November.

This would have been the most recent series of train strikes since the month of October but the plans made by RMT were abandoned on Friday in the hopes of securing a negotiated settlement over intensive talks instead. However, the late call off meant original train timetables were unable to be re-established and so on Saturday 5th November many stations and platforms were left deserted. In comparison other lines and the Underground experienced delays due to an influx of passengers trying to find alternative routes to their destinations.

Engineering works upon the Overground made this process even more difficult for those travelling and in my personal experience I had to take a longer route to get to Shepherds Bush. At this time I struck up conversation with Ms. Rock, a fellow commuter who was going to the same destination as I but was unaware of the disruption she would face as she: “Believed the strikes being called off meant that everything would return to normal”. Unfortunately as a result, she was late to meet up with her friends – an experience that I’m sure was shared by many others as weekend plans and work travels were affected alike.

Not only this but Saturday marked the event of Bonfire Night which usually features crowds of people travelling to see firework displays and other celebrations. The effect of the suspended strikes proved to have an impact on those as well as attendees' travel plans had to be re-considered.

Sadly, it is expected for the strikes to impact services throughout the beginning of next week. South Western Railways have already issued a statement saying that it is too late for them to re-instate a full service on Monday. Instead it has been advised for commuters to prepare for a later start time and an earlier finish on reduced services. As well as this another strike is expected to occur on Thursday 10th November that will impact London Underground services. Transport for London has already said for commuters to expect limited or no Tube services as well as potentially extremely busy conditions on the Elizabeth Line and tram lines in addition to changes to the London Overground and DLR services.

Hopefully the strike situation will be completely resolved in the near future so that London residents will be able to travel as usual without any further strike related disruptions.