“We are doing all we can to let people know about this and minimise the disruption" says TfGM on industrial action
Bus passengers are being urged to plan their journey ahead of industrial action expected to take place next week in Greater Manchester.
Staff at some Bee Network bus operators - First, Metroline and Stagecoach - have announced that they plan to strike from Friday 19 to Monday 22 September (inclusive).
With a week to go, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is encouraging everyone in the city-region to check before they travel next week, and leave plenty of time when making essential journeys. It comes as TfGM provides more information on what passengers can expect:
Bus services not expected to run:
Around two-thirds of Bee Network buses across Greater Manchester will not run, including some school services. Due to the timing of industrial action, some late-night services on Thursday 18 September and very early morning services on Tuesday 23 September may also be affected. A full list of impacted services will be available here: www.beenetwork.com/bus-industrial-action
Bus services that will run: Bolton and Wigan bus services will still operate, as well as some routes in North Manchester and the free bus in Manchester city centre. Local Link and Ring and Ride services will also operate as usual.
Trams will operate as usual: Metrolink services will continue to run. Services are expected to be busier – particularly those supporting the weekend’s events including Manchester United’s home game against Chelsea on Saturday (5.30pm kick off), as well as gigs at Co-Op Live and AO Arena.
Trains will operate as usual: Train routes across Greater Manchester, including Northern and TransPennine Express services, will also continue to run as usual.
Several measures are being put in place to help people get around, including allowing customers to use their bus tickets and passes on alternative routes. Passengers with 7-day, 28-day, term-time or annual bus passes, as well as those with concessionary passes – including Our Pass – will be able to use their tickets and passes on all Metrolink trams on strike days.
The page - www.beenetwork.com/bus-industrial-action - will include a full list of bus services that are not expected to run in advance of the action days, as well as more information about ticket acceptance and other travel advice.
TfGM Chief Network Officer, Danny Vaughan, said: “Bus operators across the country are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff. We are encouraging operators and their unions to continue talks, reach agreement and avoid disruption for passengers.
“Around two-thirds of buses will not run if bus operator staff take industrial action. We know this will impact people’s ability to get around and we’re very sorry for any disruption or inconvenience.
“Trams and trains will run as normal, as well as some buses in parts of Greater Manchester. People should check to see if their bus service is affected and, if so, plan an alternative journey ahead of time. It will be busier than normal and we’re urging people to leave plenty of time when travelling around the city-region.
“We are doing all we can to let people know about this and minimise the disruption and keep Greater Manchester moving. Our teams will be out helping passengers, bus tickets and passes will be accepted on trams, and all other public transport services will run as normal.”