Night Tube could start before Boris Johnson steps down in May

Union members have agreed a pay deal paving the way for Night Tube
Rick Findler/PA
Pippa Crerar3 March 2016

The long-awaited Night Tube could finally start running before Boris Johnson steps down as Mayor in May after union members agreed a pay deal.

It came after a series of bitter strikes in a dispute over the launch of the 24-hour weekend service, which was scheduled to start last September.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union has now accepted a deal that could allow Transport for London to implement its plans.

The offer, accepted by 84 per cent of union respondents, included a four-year pay deal of above-inflation rises backdated from April last year and a £500 bonus to drivers and other staff connected with the introduction of the service.

Although the deal removes the threat of more strikes by the RMT, the drivers’ union Aslef is yet to confirm its support. The Standard understands that Aslef chiefs fully expect membership to endorse the deal next Tuesday, allowing the Night Tube to go ahead.

The 24-hour weekend service will run on the Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria, Central and Northern lines. Mr Johnson is said to be keen for it to begin before he leaves City Hall on May 5, viewing it as an important part of his legacy.

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