News

London's Night Tube launch delayed

Talks are ongoing between London Underground and trade unions

In somewhat unsurprising news, bearing in mind the recent Tube strikes, London's Night Tube service launch has been delayed.

The Jubilee, Piccadilly, Northern, Central and Victoria lines were due to start running for 24 hours from September 12 but London Underground (LU) has pushed it back as talks continue with trade unions.

Managing director Nick Brown said: "Further to the progress made in recent days with the trade unions and the suspension of strike action, we believe we are not far from an agreement that protects the work-life balance of our employees and is affordable, sustainable and fair.

"As such, we have decided to defer the introduction of Night Tube to allow more time for those talks to conclude."

Mick Whelan, the general secretary of union Aslef, has put the blame on LU regarding a lack of communication.

"It has to be done in a way that works for London Underground, for passengers, and also for the drivers who deliver this service every day.

"Had LU not acted in bad faith, by trying to introduce the Night Tube in London without consultation, and without negotiation, we wouldn't be where we are today and they would have been in a position to deliver."

However, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson reckons it'll still go ahead this autumn. Check out the clubs that'll be much easier to get to and from once it eventually launches.

[Via: BBC News]