Staff at some Bee Network bus operators – First, Metroline and Stagecoach – have announced strike action from Tuesday 30 September to Thursday 2 October (inclusive).  

During this period of industrial action, passengers can expect the following:  

Impact on Services 

• The 708 school bus will continue to run as normal.
• Bus services not expected to run: Around two-thirds of Bee Network buses will not operate, including some school services. Some early morning services on Friday 3 October may also be affected. A full list of impacted services will soon be available on the dedicated page on the TfGM website – customers can use the search function to quickly check if their bus is affected. 
• Bus services that will run: Services in Bolton and Wigan, some routes in north Manchester, and the free bus in Manchester city centre should continue to operate. Local Link and Ring and Ride services should also run as normal. 
• Trams and trains: Metrolink and train services will operate as planned. 

Ticket Acceptance 
Passengers affected by industrial action with valid 7-day, 28-day, term-time or annual bus passes, as well as concessionary passes (including Our Pass), can use them across the three strike days on: 

• The entire Metrolink network 
• All Northern train services in affected areas 
• TransPennine Express services between Greenfield and Manchester Piccadilly and from Castleton to Manchester Piccadilly 

Please note: Ticket acceptance will not apply on trains serving areas where bus services are still running (e.g., Bolton and Wigan) and only applies to stations within Greater Manchester. 

Travel Advice 

• We are encouraging passengers to check before they travel and allow extra time for essential journeys. 
• Services will be busier than normal; passengers should travel outside peak times (7–9am and 4–6pm) where possible. 
• Local road traffic and demand for hire bikes are likely to increase.

Further Information 
A dedicated webpage has been set up at www.beenetwork.com/bus-industrial-action, which will soon include: 

• A full list of affected services 
• Ticket acceptance details 
• Other travel advice 

Passengers can also call the Bee Network Contact Centre on 0161 244 1000 (extended opening hours during strike days).