Bus strikes to hit Tameside and Glossop as Metroline and Stagecoach confirm industrial action

Commuters across Greater Manchester are being warned to expect widespread disruption to bus services later this week as drivers at Stagecoach and Metroline prepare for industrial action.

The strikes, scheduled for Friday 10, Saturday 11, and Monday 13 October, will affect many Bee Network bus services, with major disruption expected in Tameside, Trafford, and Stockport, where no buses will operate on strike days. Services in south Manchester and the city centre will also be impacted.

With the exception of some early morning and late-night services, buses will operate as normal on Sunday 12 October, offering some respite between strike days.

The walkout is part of an ongoing dispute over pay. The action by First Bus drivers was called off last week after workers accepted what was described as an “exceptional” 20% pay offer.

Unite Union has warned that, unless pay talks reach an agreement soon, further strikes are planned for Saturday 18, Thursday 23, and Friday 24 October, potentially causing additional disruption later in the month.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is urging passengers to plan ahead, check before travelling, and allow extra time for their journeys. While trams and trains will continue to run as normal, many bus routes will be suspended.

On their website TFGM have said: “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.”

Passengers using the Bee Network journey planner are being advised to turn off the bus option when planning routes, as services may still appear as running despite cancellations. Updates and service information can be found on the Bee Network app, website, or on X (formerly Twitter) @BeeNetwork.

For further assistance, passengers can also call 0161 244 1000.

The following Tameside Bee Network bus routes will not operate during the strike for information on school buses and other routes visit https://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