Delays, disruption and drudgery greet London commuters hit by transport strike

LONDON – London commuters are facing long delays and massive disruptions after subway workers walked off the job to protest upcoming job cuts.

Long lines began forming at bus stops before dawn on Wednesday as travelers sought alternative means of transport. Roads also were more congested than usual.

Unions serving the London Underground, known as the Tube, began their 48-hour protest late Tuesday, tossing the morning commute into disarray.

Poor weather complicated an already poor situation. Some train services put speed restrictions on their lines amid risks of flooding, landslides and falling trees.

London's mayor Boris Johnson urged unions to return to talks, while union leaders accused the mayor of refusing to meet them to discuss their grievances.

Another strike is planned for next week.