Bus passengers are being urged to plan their journey ahead of industrial action expected to take place this week in Greater Manchester.
Staff at some Bee Network bus operators - First, Metrolink and Stagecoach - have announced that they plan to strike from Friday 19 to Monday 22 September (inclusive).
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is encouraging everyone in the city-region to check before they travel and leave plenty of time when making essential journeys.
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) and an earlier lunchtime game between Bolton and Wigan (12.30pm kick off).
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 trams. 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.
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.
People can also get this information by calling the Bee Network Contact Centre on 0161 244 1000, with the opening hours extended to ensure people can get in touch with any questions.