The bus services in Trafford, Wigan, Bolton, Salford…

The bus services in Trafford, Wigan, Bolton, Salford and Manchester to be completely cancelled by driver strikes

Thousands of bus passengers could be impacted by strikes in Greater Manchester as more than 300 Arriva bus drivers prepare to walk out over pay. The industrial action on Wednesday (July 19), run by Unite the Union in response to a below-inflation pay offer, means there will 'no service or limited service' on Arriva bus routes in Trafford, Wigan, Bolton and Salford and Manchester.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has arranged for alternative operators to run the routes it subsidises - which are those which make too little profit to be run by bus companies. But not all timetables will run as planned.

Services 281 to 287, which serve Altrincham and surrounding areas, which are financially supported by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will be covered by alternative operator, Goodwins. Revised timetables will be available on the TfGM website and at bus stations - as well as any further changes to this cover throughout the duration of the strike.

A full list of the 20 routes which will not operate are listed below.

Those customers with Arriva tickets of seven days or more, purchased and activated before the date of the strike, will be able to use their ticket on selected Metrolink lines during this period. Sean Dyball, TfGM’s Head of Customer Experience, said: “We understand the concern passengers will have and we want to reassure them that we’re working closely with the operator to limit the disruption as much as possible.

“Unfortunately, due to current conditions and staff absences, we have not been able to secure replacements for all routes. Where we can, we have worked to prioritise routes with no or limited alternative transport options. We have travel information available on our website to help people make informed journey choices and to cycle or walk where possible, especially for shorter trips.“

But in total, 20 routes will not operate at all. They are:

10: Brookhouse Estate - Lower Broughton - Salford - Shudehill

18: Eccles - Trafford Park - Sale - Manchester Airport

19: Altrincham - Sale - Sale Moor - Northern Moor - Wythenshawe

34: Leigh - Newton le Willows - Crow Lane - St Helens

34A: St Helens - Newton le Willows - Leigh

245: Altrincham - Sale - Urmston - The Trafford Centre

247: Altrincham - Partington - Carrington - The Trafford Centre

263: Altrincham - Sale - Stretford - Hulme - Piccadilly Gardens

280: Altrincham - Mossbrow - Partington - Carrington - Sale

288: Alrincham - Hale - Hale Barns - Manchester Airport (Evening - Sunday only service)

320: St Helens - Haydock - Aston-in-Makerfield - Wigan

352: Wigan - Newtown - Pemberton - Orrell - Billinge - St Helens

360: Wigan - Abram - Golborne - Newton le Willows - Warrington

362: Chorley Town Centre - Coppull - Coppull Moor - Wigan

375: Wigan - Skelmersdale - Pennylands - Ormskirk - Southport

385: Wigan - Skelmersdale - Pennylands - Ormskirk - Southport

395: Wigan - Up Holland - Hall Green - Clay Brow - Skelmersdale

534: Bolton - Halliwell - Astley Bridge - Oldhams Estate

541: Bolton - Tonge Moor - Bradshaw - Bromley Cross - Toppings

575: Bolton - Heaton - Lostock - Horwich - Blackrod - Wigan

More than 1,800 Arriva workers are due to walk out of depots in Manchester and Merseyside. Dave Roberts, regional officer for Unite, told the Manchester Evening News : "During the cost of living crisis, our members, especially those with large families, are trying to keep up with playng bills, over-inflated prices on fuel and they need a pay rise that will help and support dealing with these issues. They are starting to feel the pinch and a good pay rise is vital for them to be able to survive."

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