In an unexpected twist that has thrown off both commuters and headline writers, the weekend’s planned bus strikes across Greater Manchester have been abruptly called off, leaving passengers with the disorienting challenge of actually getting where they’re going on time.
Staff from Metroline and Stagecoach, two of the Bee Network’s largest operators, were set to down tools from Friday through Monday in what would have been a festive long weekend of walking, swearing and tweeting passive-aggressively at Andy Burnham. But in a last-minute move worthy of a Line of Duty cliffhanger, Unite the union announced that industrial action would be suspended while drivers vote on a fresh pay offer.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, emerged from the negotiations with the same relieved-but-slightly-knackered expression he usually reserves for Northern rail announcements. “Bus drivers are critical to the success of the Bee Network,” he said, carefully avoiding any metaphors involving wheels falling off.
TfGM has been busy rolling out initiatives like the Good Employment Charter, a brand new fleet, upgraded staff loos, and a planned Bee Network pension scheme, essentially trying to turn the Greater Manchester bus driver experience from “drudgery with mirrors” into something you might actually recommend to a nephew.
While the majority of 190 threatened routes are now expected to run as normal, Transport for Greater Manchester says there may still be “limited disruption”, code for: if your bus doesn’t show up, don’t sue us, we tried.
TfGM Chief Network Officer Danny Vaughan urged passengers to “plan ahead and check before travelling,” echoing the timeless British mantra: hope for the best, prepare for disappointment, and always carry snacks.
From down the M62, we suggest Rochdale travellers remain alert, optimistic, and mildly caffeinated, just in case the 471 decides to ghost you anyway, in the name of tradition.
