Greater Manchester bus strikes called off at the last minute, sparing weekend disruption

Thursday, 9 October 2025 19:27

By Craig Davies

Walkouts by Bee Network bus drivers at Stagecoach and Metroline suspended after new pay offer, but minor disruption still possible

Weekend bus services across Greater Manchester are now expected to run as normal after strike action was suspended at the last minute.

Unions representing drivers at Bee Network operators Stagecoach and Metroline confirmed on Thursday evening that the planned walkouts for Friday 10, Saturday 11 and Monday 13 October have been called off, following a revised pay offer from employers.

Around 190 routes were expected to be affected by the industrial action, with major disruption anticipated in areas including Trafford, Tameside, Stockport and south Manchester. Some school services were also expected to be hit.

But Unite the Union has announced it will now ballot members on the updated deal, pausing any action while the offer is considered.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has welcomed the decision but warned there could still be some disruption over the weekend, given the late notice. Passengers are being urged to check the status of services before travelling.

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said:

“This positive announcement means that the 190 bus routes we expected to be disrupted should now run as normal. Given the timing of the decision, there may still be limited disruption on some services this weekend.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham praised both sides for reaching a breakthrough, adding that bus drivers remain “critical” to the Bee Network’s success.

“We’ve been working hard to get to this point and are pleased Unite has called off this weekend’s strikes,” he said. “We are hopeful that an agreement can be reached quickly to avoid further action.

“It’s important that both our passengers and the people who work on the Bee Network benefit from local control of public transport. We’re confident that, with the changes we’ve already made and more we’ve got planned, we’re making Greater Manchester one of the best places in the country to be a bus driver.”

TfGM says real-time updates will be available across its website and mobile app, and is encouraging passengers to allow extra time for journeys while services adjust.