TfGM warns bus passengers ahead of industrial action

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is warning bus passengers of upcoming industrial action affecting three Bee Network bus operators.

Staff at First, Metroline and Stagecoach have announced that they plan to strike from Friday 19 to Monday 22 September (inclusive). Industrial action is being taken as a result of a pay negotiations between the operators and their staff and trade unions and is not related to TfGM or Bee Network franchising arrangements.

The three operators account for around two-thirds of Bee Network buses across the city-region, with Stagecoach and Metroline running the majority of services in Stockport and South Manchester; routes in the North of the city-region are set to see less disruption.

With less than a week to go ahead of the strikes, TfGM is encouraging everyone in the city-region to check before they travel next week, and leave plenty of time when making essential journeys.

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. 

Local roads and all public transport will be busier than normal, with demand for hire bikes likely to rise too. TfGM advises people to allow extra time when travelling and – if possible – to avoid peak times (7am-9am and 4pm-6pm). 

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.  

As many TfGM staff as possible will also be at key locations, such as interchanges, to help bus passengers and a dedicated webpage has been set up to provide information as it becomes available. The page 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.

People can also get this information by the Bee Network Contact Centre on 0161 244 1000, with the opening hours extended to ensure people can get in touch with any questions.  

Information is also being shared with a wide range of Greater Manchester organisations, including the health sector and business groups, as well as schools, colleges and universities. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their child’s school to check whether their school bus is running.  

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.”