Millions Contend With London Subway Strike

The second 24-hour subway strike in two months made a mess of Londoners’ commutes, leaving an estimated 3 million passengers stranded or struggling for alternative transportation.

“It totally messes up my life,” said Aviva Morris, emerging from a packed overland train.

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union and the train drivers union ASLEF walked out Tuesday night. Train service was not expected to return to normal until this morning. The workers want a pay raise; they have rejected London Underground’s offer of a 3% hike. Drivers on the subway, which is often criticized for its delays, make about $51,000 a year.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said the strike would cost London’s economy $93 million.