What Buses Are On Strike Today

So, you’ve stumbled out of bed, poured coffee directly onto your shirt (because that’s just how you wake up now), and you’re ready to conquer the world. You walk to the bus stop, hummed a little tune, and then… nothing. The bus is a no-show. Again. You’re not alone. You’ve just entered the chaotic, wonderful, and slightly infuriating world of “What Buses Are On Strike Today?”

The Great Bus Brotherhood (And Sisterhood) of Rebellion

Right now, drivers in several major cities have collectively decided that sitting in traffic for eight hours isn’t a sufficient retirement plan. In London, the United Rides union has called a walkout over something called a “rostering disagreement.” That’s a fancy way of saying they don’t want to be scheduled to drive a bus through a puddle at 4 AM on a Tuesday.

In New York City, the MTA buses are mostly fine—don’t jinx it—but a contractor strike has hit express routes in Westchester. That means your accountant neighbor might have to take the local, which is like downgrading from a limo to a rickshaw. The chaos is real, and it smells faintly of diesel and despair.

Meanwhile, Paris is in full protest mode. Surprise! The RATP drivers are on a revolving strike, meaning one day the 27 bus works, the next day it’s gone like a baguette at a bakery sale. If you see a French person smiling on a bus, check their pulse—they’ve probably been standing there since 1998.

The Surprising Facts That Will Make You Laugh (Or Cry)

Here’s a shocker: Did you know that a single bus can carry up to 90 people? That’s roughly the population of a small village. When 90 people are suddenly all trying to Uber, you get a surge price that could pay for a small car. Buses are the unsung heroes of traffic—each one removes 40 cars from the road. But today, those heroes are texting their union rep instead.

Another fact: The longest bus strike in history lasted 217 days in Singapore back in 1978. That’s seven months of walking. Imagine your Fitbit shaming you for that. Today’s strikes are shorter but more dramatic, like a reality TV show with better bus shelters.

And get this: In Seattle, one bus driver once drove his route for three days straight during a strike by accident. He was so accustomed to the stops he kept going, like a zombie in a polyester uniform. That’s dedication—or a deep, deep trance.

How to Survive This Public Transit Apocalypse

First, check your local transit app—but don’t trust it fully. It might say “on time” while the bus is actually in a ditch, eating donuts. Next, make friends with a cyclist. They smell like sweat and freedom, and they’ll give you a ride to the next stop if you promise not to talk about cryptocurrency.

If you’re stuck walking, pretend it’s a wellness challenge. Tell your boss you’re “commuting mindfully.” Wear a bicycle helmet for no reason. The confusion alone will buy you time. And if a bus does show up, board it like a celebrity entering a limo—wave regally at the strike picketers. They’ll understand.

Also, carry snacks. A granola bar can prevent a breakdown. I once saw a man eat a sandwich while waiting for a bus that wasn’t coming. He looked happy. He was lying to himself.

The Real Reason Buses Go Rogue

It’s not actually about the money. Well, it’s mostly about the money, but also about respect. Bus drivers have one of the most stressful jobs—they manage 60 people, traffic, and a gearbox from 1987. A study found they’re more likely to have a heart attack than a firefighter. So when they strike, they’re not just being difficult. They’re saying, “Hey, we’d like to not die at the wheel, please.”

That’s why I say, support the strike. Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, you’re late. But think of the alternative: a bus driver who hasn’t had a bathroom break in eight hours, driving through a school zone while humming “Stayin’ Alive.” That’s a horror movie I don’t want to see.

So today, check your local news for the official list. In London, it’s routes 23, 38, and 74. In Paris, it’s literally every line ending in “bis.” In Los Angeles, they’re “rethinking the schedule,” which is code for “your bus is now a mirage.”

The Final, Wobbly Bus Ride Home

When the strike ends—and it will, eventually—climb aboard that bus like a hero returning from a quest. Wave at the driver. Thank them for not being on strike today. They might grunt, but inside, they’re thinking, “This guy gets it.” Or they’re thinking about coffee. Either way, you’re home.

Until the next strike. And there will be a next strike. It’s a law of nature, like gravity or people forgetting how to merge. But now you’re prepared. You know what buses are on strike today. You have snacks. You have a plan. And you have a great story to tell at the café—if you ever actually get to one.