Thousands Stranded as Greater Manchester Bus Strike Halts Two-Thirds of Network
Greater Manchester, UK – Up to two-thirds of Greater Manchester's public bus network has been brought to a standstill this weekend, following the first in a series of planned strikes by drivers that began on Friday. The industrial action, impacting staff at three major Bee Network operators, has caused widespread disruption for commuters and left thousands stranded across the region.
The strike, involving more than 2,000 members of the Unite union who work for First, Metroline, and Stagecoach under the new Bee Network umbrella, is set to continue until Monday. A further wave of strikes has already been announced for September 30th to October 2nd.
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On Friday, the initial walkout led to significant chaos, with many passengers caught unaware. Commuters were forced to seek alternative transport, including expensive taxis, while others were left stranded with no means to complete their journeys.
The timing of this weekend's disruption is particularly challenging, coinciding with several major events in Manchester, including Manchester United hosting Chelsea today (Saturday) and a number of large concerts, exacerbating the travel challenges for residents and visitors alike.
This marks the first significant industrial action to hit the Bee Network since buses were brought under public control by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
The dispute stems from a long-running disagreement between unions and operators, primarily over pay. Unite the Union made the decision for strike action. Operators, meanwhile, have expressed their disappointment, stating they remain 'open' to discussions to resolve the impasse. While the core of the dispute is pay, sources noted that concerns over the misconduct and hostility of some drivers have also contributed to ongoing resentment.
In response to the unprecedented disruption, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has introduced special measures to assist passengers. Customers with valid bus tickets and passes can use them on alternative routes. Specifically, those with seven-day, 28-day, term-time, or annual bus passes – as well as concessionary passes including Our Pass – are able to use their tickets on all Metrolink trams during the strike days. Furthermore, TfGM has announced that bus tickets and passes will also be accepted on train services operated by Northern and TransPennine Express in affected areas, providing some relief for stranded commuters.
The strike, involving more than 2,000 members of the Unite union who work for First, Metroline, and Stagecoach under the new Bee Network umbrella, is set to continue until Monday. A further wave of strikes has already been announced for September 30th to October 2nd.
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On Friday, the initial walkout led to significant chaos, with many passengers caught unaware. Commuters were forced to seek alternative transport, including expensive taxis, while others were left stranded with no means to complete their journeys.
The timing of this weekend's disruption is particularly challenging, coinciding with several major events in Manchester, including Manchester United hosting Chelsea today (Saturday) and a number of large concerts, exacerbating the travel challenges for residents and visitors alike.
This marks the first significant industrial action to hit the Bee Network since buses were brought under public control by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
The dispute stems from a long-running disagreement between unions and operators, primarily over pay. Unite the Union made the decision for strike action. Operators, meanwhile, have expressed their disappointment, stating they remain 'open' to discussions to resolve the impasse. While the core of the dispute is pay, sources noted that concerns over the misconduct and hostility of some drivers have also contributed to ongoing resentment.
In response to the unprecedented disruption, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has introduced special measures to assist passengers. Customers with valid bus tickets and passes can use them on alternative routes. Specifically, those with seven-day, 28-day, term-time, or annual bus passes – as well as concessionary passes including Our Pass – are able to use their tickets on all Metrolink trams during the strike days. Furthermore, TfGM has announced that bus tickets and passes will also be accepted on train services operated by Northern and TransPennine Express in affected areas, providing some relief for stranded commuters.
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