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But he said he would not negotiate on the “fundamental principles” surrounding the protection of workers’ jobs and conditions.

“We’ve already agreed to 72 hours but will see where we are after that,” he said.

“It could go on into next week depending on the company - the ball’s in their court.”

The travel disruption is expected to continue this evening, bringing repeats of this morning's chaos.

During the morning peak hour, massive queues formed outside bus stops, including at Victoria Station where the mood among commuters turned from frustration to anger at having to wait for packed buses.

Police handed out street maps and encouraged people to begin walking or face lengthy delays for a bus.

“I’ve no idea why they’re striking or what this is all about - all I know is that they’re making life a misery for millions of people,” said Caroline Dyer, 33, an accounting assistant from Kent.

Transport for London (TfL), which has put on extra staff to cope with the demand and help people find alternative routes to work, said the disruption was “severe and unacceptable”.

“We share Londoners’ view that this disruption is intolerable, as it serves no purpose,” a TfL spokesman said.

Trains ground to a halt on the following lines: Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, East London, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Victoria and Waterloo & City. The central part of the Piccadilly line was also suspended.

There was a good service on the Northern and Jubilee lines, which are maintained by a different company.

Passengers have been encouraged to use the Docklands Light Railway, which links Canary Wharf and east London with the City, National Rail services or buses.

Advertising executive Chris Boys, who was waiting for a bus at Victoria station this morning, has only been working in London for a year but he already realised travel chaos was part of life in the capital.

“This is just what you go through, isn’t it?” he said. “It’s a pain in the a***, but I’m told it happens every year and you get used to it.”

“Even if I walk I’m going to be late, but I think my boss will be understanding. Everyone’s bosses should give them a bit of leeway this week.”

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