Tweeters turn on Bob Crow as he sips coffee watching chaos

The Mayor warned that the RMT and TSSA could put crucial government investment in London's transport network at risk.

"The Treasury won't understand why Tube workers are going on strike in this way to make a fundamentally party political point," he said.

"This is not right for London. We've got a very, very tough time now to make the case for investment in transport infrastructure, it's absolutely vital."

The union leader was also criticised by furious commuters online.

Stuart Thomas tweeted he had just seen Mr Crow "watching the chaos" at King's Cross while sipping a coffee.

Christian Ball, from London, added: "Bob Crow and his bully boys think that by destroying the UK economy they will somehow make it better."

Andrew, a visitor from Cape Town, posted: "Is Bob Crow going to compensate me for a taxi to the airport? The strike has damaged London's international reputation."

However, some commuters welcomed the change in routine. Dave Davies, from Basingstoke, commented: "Thanks Bob Crow. I had to walk along the Embankment in the sunshine accompanied by gorgeous women. Lifted my spirits no end!"

Mr Crow told the Standard at Euston he felt "happy" with the support of strikers and felt sure Londoners would be sympathetic towards the strike. He said: "I think they will understand once they see what the action is about and the case that's put forward."

TUBE STRIKE ON TWITTER

Thousands of Londoners took to Twitter to share the details of their journeys to work, with #tubestrike being among the the top trends on the messaging service for most of the day. Some claim even Tube staff were telling passengers to monitor twitter for the latest updates.

Tourists getting the whole British experience schmear today. The Blitz, strikes, AND it's due to rain
@Brendan_Surrey 8:50

The commute down the hallway from my bedroom to my desk was tortuous today, thanks to a large pile of clothes. I blame Bob Crow
@rhodri 9:00

The City was mobbed this am - lots of walkers, lots of bikes and even a roller-blader. Fresh air beats tube air!
@Sarah Modlock 8:34

Many nervous looking cyclists on the roads into the city this morning
@2dividedbyzero 8:40

Sat in the same spot for 30min... Not good! Traffic nightmare
@Hunt4answer 8:22

Good on ya northern line. Didn't get me the whole way but at least you tried. Walking from kings cross
@tiffphilippou 8:17

Saw two men fighting over the last boris bike on Southampton Row... exciting!
@MediaComUK 9:04