Transport for London – What’s Happening on the Tube, Bus & Rail
If you live in or visit London, you know TFL is the lifeline of the city. Trains, buses, trams and the underground move millions every day, and a tiny hiccup can throw your whole schedule off. That’s why we keep the most useful TFL updates right here – no jargon, just the facts you need to get where you’re going.
First up, the biggest thing on most people's radar is service disruption. When a line goes down, the whole network feels the ripple. We pull together the latest info from the official TFL feeds, so you’ll know which stations are closed, which buses are rerouted, and whether you should grab an alternate route. A quick glance at our page can save you an hour of waiting on a stalled train.
Ticket Tips and Cost‑Saving Tricks
Paying for travel in London doesn’t have to drain your wallet. The Oyster card is still the cheapest way for most trips, but the contactless payment option on debit or credit cards works just as well and often gives the same daily caps. If you’re a tourist, the Visitor Oyster card saves you the hassle of topping up. And don’t forget the weekly or monthly Travelcard if you’re a regular commuter – the maths works out better than you think.
Another tip: travel off‑peak. Between 9:30 am and 4 pm, and after 7 pm, fares are lower and trains are less crowded. The TFL app shows real‑time crowding levels, so you can pick a less packed carriage. It’s a small change that makes the daily commute feel a lot smoother.
Using the TFL App and Real‑Time Info
The TFL mobile app is more than just a schedule. It gives live arrival times, service alerts, and even a handy route planner that considers current disruptions. Turn on push notifications for the lines you use most, and you’ll get instant alerts if a delay is reported. You can also download the offline map – handy if you lose signal underground.
For bus riders, the app shows exactly when the next bus will arrive, down to the minute. No more guessing if the double‑decker is stuck in traffic. And if you’re trying to avoid the dreaded “no‑stop” zones, the map highlights stops that are currently closed for maintenance.
Beyond the app, TFL’s website has a clear “Planned Works” section. It lists upcoming engineering projects, like line upgrades or station refurbishments, weeks or months in advance. Knowing that a line will be closed for a weekend lets you plan ahead and avoid last‑minute scrambling.
Got a question about a specific route? The community forum on our site lets you ask fellow riders for advice. People often share shortcuts, alternative buses, or the best times to travel when a line is busy. It’s a great way to get real‑life tips that you won’t find in the official bulletins.
Finally, safety matters. TFL has rolled out more CCTV cameras and platform edge doors on newer lines, but staying aware is still key. Keep an eye on your belongings, use well‑lit stations, and report anything suspicious to the staff. If you see a problem, the TFL staff are usually quick to respond.
Whether you’re catching the tube to work, hopping on a bus to the market, or planning a day of sightseeing, staying informed about Transport for London helps you move faster and spend less. Bookmark this page, check back often, and you’ll never be left stranded again.
Black History Tube Map: TfL and Black Cultural Archives celebrate 272 icons across London
Transport for London and Black Cultural Archives have reimagined the Tube map with 272 Black figures from pre-Tudor times to today. Released in October 2021 for Black History Month and BCA’s 40th anniversary, the themed map connects icons by fields like Arts, Sports, and Community Organisers. It spotlights pioneers from Mary Seacole to Khadija Saye and four transport workers who broke barriers.