Two-thirds of bus services across Greater Manchester, including many school routes, have been cancelled as around 2,000 drivers begin strike action over pay. The walkout, which started on Friday, is expected to continue until Monday, with further disruption planned later this month if no deal is reached.
Major Disruption Across the Region
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has urged passengers to plan ahead, warning that most services in south and east Manchester will be “very badly affected”.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s chief network officer, said:
“There are alternatives for people but they’re better off planning ahead and checking our website to make sure they can get around when needed.”
While services in Wigan and Bolton are expected to continue running, TfGM confirmed tickets will be accepted on Metrolink trams and some train services to ease the impact.
Pay Dispute Behind the Walkout
The Unite union said drivers employed by operators under the publicly controlled Bee Network had rejected pay offers ranging from 3.5% to 6% following months of negotiations.
Colin Hayden, Unite’s regional officer, said:
“The strikes this week, as well as the further action we have called, will cause travel chaos in Greater Manchester.”
Unite has already scheduled additional strike dates from 30 September to 2 October, involving staff at Stagecoach, First Bus Rochdale and Metroline, if no resolution is reached.
Calls for Resolution
Bus operators Metroline Manchester, Stagecoach Manchester and First Bus Rochdale said they remain committed to finding a settlement with Unite.
Mr Vaughan stressed TfGM’s role was limited:
“Unfortunately we can’t intervene directly. Pay is a matter for the bus operators and the union. We’ve been encouraging them all through the talks to try to find an arrangement.”
He added it was “really disappointing” that the strikes were happening during the Bee Network’s first year of operation.
Information for Passengers
A full list of affected services has been published on the Bee Network website. TfGM said its priority was ensuring passengers had access to up-to-date travel information and alternative routes during the strikes.
Key Takeaway
The strike has brought large parts of Greater Manchester’s bus network to a standstill, with schools, commuters and families most affected. Unless an agreement on pay is reached, further walkouts are set to deepen disruption in the coming weeks.
