London public transport: How the Tube, buses, and trains keep the city moving
When you think of London public transport, the integrated system of underground trains, buses, trams, and overground rail that serves Greater London. Also known as TfL, it's the backbone of daily life in the capital—moving over 10 million people every weekday. It’s not just about getting from A to B. It’s about whether you can afford it, whether it’s on time, and whether it still feels like it’s working for you.
Behind every journey is a network built over 160 years. The Tube, London’s underground railway system, the oldest in the world runs 11 lines across 270 stations. Then there’s the London buses, a fleet of over 8,000 vehicles with routes covering every corner of the city—no other city in the world has this kind of bus density. And don’t forget the Oyster card, the reusable smart card that lets you tap in and out across all modes of transport, which replaced paper tickets in 2003 and still powers most journeys today. These systems don’t work in isolation. Delays on the Tube ripple through bus routes. A strike on the Overground affects commuters in outer boroughs. A fare hike hits students, nurses, and delivery drivers the hardest.
Recent years have shaken things up. The pandemic slashed ridership. Budget cuts led to service reductions. Strikes over pay and conditions became common. Meanwhile, new lines like the Elizabeth line opened, bringing faster connections east to west—but also new crowding problems. And now, with rising energy costs and aging infrastructure, the question isn’t just whether the system works, but whether it can survive without major investment. You’ll find stories here about the latest disruptions, the hidden truths behind delays, how the Oyster card really saves you money, and what’s coming next—whether it’s contactless payments, driverless trains, or radical changes to how we pay for travel.
Top Five London News Headlines Today - November 11, 2025
Get the top five London news headlines for November 11, 2025: Northern Line shutdown, new air pollution plan, homeless shelter crisis, maternity ward closure, and Tate Modern's grand opening - all the updates you need to know today.