Greater Manchester is set for further disruption next week as thousands of bus workers prepare for a second round of strikes, threatening travel for commuters and schoolchildren across the region.
Staff from three major Bee Network operators—First, Metroline, and Stagecoach—will walk out from Tuesday, September 30, until Thursday, October 2, in an ongoing dispute over pay. Unite union confirmed the strike after more than 2,000 members staged a four-day walkout last week, which caused widespread delays and cancellations.
The latest action means around two-thirds of Bee Network buses will be off the roads, including several school services. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has warned passengers that disruption could extend into the early hours of Friday, October 3, due to the strike’s timing.
Not all routes will be affected. Bus services in Bolton and Wigan will continue to operate, alongside some routes in north Manchester. The free city centre bus will also remain in service. TfGM confirmed that trams and trains will run as usual, though these are expected to be busier than normal as passengers seek alternatives.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, acknowledged the difficulties faced by passengers. “Thanks to all our passengers for bearing with us during the recent days of industrial action. We know it disrupts journeys and we’re sorry to those who needed to make alternative plans,” he said.
Vaughan added that passengers holding valid tickets will once again be able to use them on trains or trams during the strike. He urged people to plan journeys in advance, allow extra time, and expect heavier demand during peak hours.
The dispute centres on pay and working conditions. While TfGM oversees the Bee Network, responsibility for staff pay lies directly with the bus operators. Vaughan stressed that negotiations must continue between the operators and Unite to resolve the standoff.
“We are continuing to encourage all sides to continue talks, reach agreement, and call off planned industrial action to avoid further changes to services next week,” Vaughan said.
For many passengers, the walkout comes at a critical time, with schools now back in session and commuters returning to offices after summer holidays. Last week’s strike saw crowded trams and train carriages across the region, with passengers reporting delays and long queues at peak travel times.
Unite representatives argue that bus workers are underpaid compared to colleagues in other regions and deserve a fair increase amid rising living costs. The union has not ruled out further action if talks fail to make progress.
As Greater Manchester continues to expand its franchised Bee Network, the ongoing dispute highlights tensions between operators and their workforce. For passengers, however, the immediate focus remains clear: preparing for another week of disrupted journeys.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
