Bus passengers are having their journeys severely disrupted today (January 13) due to a 24-hour strike over pay and conditions.

Transport for London says around a third of the buses which normally operate at this time are currently running and bus customers are being encouraged to check before they travel at tfl.gov.uk/buses.

Mike Weston, TfL’s Director of Buses, said: "I am very sorry that the leadership of Unite have chosen to disrupt the journeys of bus passengers, especially given that only 16 per cent of the bus drivers voted for strike action.

"As the bus companies who employ the drivers have said, it makes no sense to pay all drivers precisely the same amount. As in all professions, bus drivers have different skills and experience and it is only right that this can be reflected in pay. If all drivers are paid the average then by definition half of all bus drivers will need to take a pay cut. Any ‘levelling up’ of pay to the highest rates would lead to a cut in bus services, an increase in fares, or both.

"London has one of the best and most extensive bus networks anywhere in the world. It would be much better if the leadership of Unite actually worked with the bus companies to ensure that it remains that way rather than disrupting bus passengers."

The strike is affecting services from around 4am this morning and will affect night bus services operating tonight into Wednesday morning. Bus services during the day tomorrow should operate as normal.

 London regional officer for Unite Wayne King said: "Strike action is the last resort. We've been forced into this position by the operators' refusal to even meet with us.

"Passengers sitting side by side on the same route expect to pay the same fare, so why shouldn't drivers expect to be paid the same rate?

"The bus operators need to stop pleading poverty in defending pay inequality and collectively start negotiating about a fairer deal for London's bus workers."