Passengers can use tickets on other services during Greater Manchester bus strike
Staff at some Bee Network bus operators are striking over the next few days
Bus passengers will be able to travel on most trains running in parts of Greater Manchester affected by the upcoming industrial action, when around two-thirds of buses are not expected to run.
It’s the latest step to help people get around following confirmation last week of a similar arrangement covering the entire Metrolink network.
Staff at some Bee Network bus operators – First, Metroline, and Stagecoach – are striking from today to Monday 22 September (inclusive). The union Unite has also announced additional strike action from Tuesday 30 September to Thursday 2 October.
The arrangements will be in place this weekend across 10 Northern services running from outlying boroughs of Greater Manchester into Manchester city centre.
Tickets will also be accepted on the TransPennine Express service running from Castleton to Manchester Piccadilly, as well from Greenfield to Manchester Piccadilly, with customers advised that a replacement bus will take them from Greenfield and Mossley stations to Stalybridge.
It means anyone with 7-day, 28-day, term or annual tickets, as well as those with Our Pass or a Care Leavers pass will be accepted on these services. Anyone with a concessionary (older or disabled persons pass) will also be able to travel on those services after 09:30 on weekdays and all day Saturday or Sunday, unless they already have tram/train travel added.
Ticket acceptance will not be in place on trains serving areas where bus services are still running, such as Bolton and Wigan, and will only be in place for trains running to and from stations within the Greater Manchester rail network.
Ahead of the weekend, TfGM is again encouraging everyone in the region to check before they travel and leave plenty of time when making essential journeys, as all services are likely to be busier.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said: “We’re doing all we can to keep Greater Manchester moving during this industrial action, and we can now reassure bus passengers that they will be able to use their tickets and passes to travel on Metrolink and most rail services running through affected areas. Thanks to both Northern and TransPennine Express for their support during this time.
“We are still expecting two thirds of Bee Network buses not to run during the strike, and we are sorry for any disruption or inconvenience this will cause to people’s journeys over the course of these days.
“Bus operators across the country are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff, and we are continuing to encourage bus operators and their unions to continue talks, reach agreement and avoid disruption for passengers.
“I would urge everyone planning to make journeys over the coming days to check to see if they will be affected by this industrial action and plan accordingly. Our teams will also be out on the network helping passengers get where they need to go.”
Bus drivers are striking over pay.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: "With so many drivers across the Bee Network walking out at once, this will be a highly disruptive strike that will bring parts of Greater Manchester to a standstill.
"We know residents will be disappointed to hear of potential action, but this is entirely the fault of the employers involved our members feel they have no choice but to walk out to make their voices heard.
"Unite remains open to negotiations with the bus companies who need to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer."
A Metroline Manchester Spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed in Unite's decision to announce strike action. We value our drivers and have continuously engaged with Unite to work for a positive outcome. Had our pay offer been accepted, it would have ensured that our drivers continue to be amongst the best paid outside of London. We remain open and committed to finding a solution and we encourage Unite to engage in discussions to resolve this and avoid any disruption to commuters and communities across Greater Manchester.”
Paul Townley, General Manager of First Bus in Rochdale, said: “We are disappointed in the decision of Unite to announce strike action.
“The management team at First Bus in Rochdale have been working hard to find solutions to help our valued drivers during these tough economic times
“The pay offer we have made of six per cent is well above current inflation and will help manage the rising cost of living.
“The Rochdale team is ready and willing to continue discussions and we encourage Unite to join us so we can finalise a settlement. Industrial action is not the way forward and will be damaging to everyone, causing severe disruption to the daily lives of our customers who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments.”
Hits and Greatest Hits Radio Manchester also contacted Stagecoach for a statement.