BUS passengers across Greater Manchester are being urged to plan ahead as drivers from Stagecoach and Metroline prepare to take strike action later this week, bringing major disruption to services across the region.
Walkouts are planned for Friday 10, Saturday 11, and Monday 13 October, and will cause significant disruption across the Bee Network, particularly in Tameside, Trafford, and Stockport, where no buses will run on strike days.
Normal service will resume briefly on Sunday, October 12, apart from some early morning and late-night routes, before further strikes begin on Monday.
The dispute centres on pay negotiations. Industrial action by First Bus drivers was called off last week after staff accepted what was described as an “exceptional” 20% pay increase.
According to Unite the Union, more strike dates could follow if an agreement isn’t reached soon. Additional walkouts are planned for Saturday 18, Thursday 23, and Friday 24 October, which could extend disruption later in the month.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has advised passengers to check before they travel, allow extra time for journeys, and make alternative arrangements where possible. While trams and trains will continue to operate, a large number of bus routes will be suspended.
TfGM said on its website:
“We’re sorry in advance for any inconvenience this may cause to your journey. Whilst many bus services will not run, some buses, as well as trams and trains, will continue to operate as normal. We’re asking passengers to check before travelling and to plan ahead.”
Those using the Bee Network journey planner are being advised to deselect the bus option when planning routes, as cancelled services may still appear in search results. The latest information and updates are available via the Bee Network app, website, or on X (formerly Twitter) @BeeNetwork.
Passengers can also contact TfGM’s helpline on 0161 244 1000 for further advice.
The following Tameside Bee Network bus routes will not be operating during the strike. For details on school buses and other services, visit tfgm.com:
- 7 – Stockport – Reddish – Droylsden – Ashton
- 201 – Hattersley – Hyde – Denton – Manchester
- 202 – Gee Cross – Hyde – Haughton Green – Manchester
- 216 – Manchester – Clayton – Droylsden – Ashton
- 219 / 219N – Stalybridge – Ashton – Openshaw – Manchester
- 220 – Manchester – Dukinfield – Stalybridge
- 221 – Dukinfield – Audenshaw – Openshaw – Manchester
- 230 / 231 – Ashton-under-Lyne – Droylsden – Piccadilly Gardens
- 237 – Ashton – Stalybridge – Glossop
- 330 – Ashton-under-Lyne – Dukinfield – Hyde – Woodley – Stockport
- 336 / 337 – Ashton – Hazelhurst – Ashton Circular
- 346 – Hyde – Ashton
- 347 – Ashton – Denton – Haughton Green Circular
- 348 – Ashton – Stalybridge – Copley – Carrbrook
- 350 – Ashton – Tameside Hospital – Uppermill – Oldham
- 389 – Ashton – Stalybridge – Astley Circular