Industrial action to affect Saddleworth bus and rail services

Public transport users are being advised to plan ahead as industrial action is expected to cause disruption to bus and rail services.

On Monday, October 2 First Bus services will be affected by a one-day strike by drivers from their Bolton and Rusholme depots.

This will cause significant disruption with services on the north side of Greater Manchester expected to be particularly affected.

First Bus has published a list of affected services. These include the Vantage service on the Leigh Guided Busway.

Then, Northern Rail industrial action is taking place on Tuesday, October 3 and Thursday, October 5, likely to cause significant disruption to rail services provided by operator Arriva Rail North.

The majority of Northern services will not run and any services that do run will be working to a revised timetable. Further details are available on Northern’s website.

TfGM’s Transport and Event Planning Lead, John Fryer, said: “We are taking action to minimise the disruption to the transport network; however, the impact is still likely to be significant.

“Our control room will open earlier and work later during this period and we’ll have additional customer service support on the phones and online to help people who have to travel, but our strongest advice is: expect disruption and plan ahead now.

“Metrolink tram services are not affected by the industrial action and all of Greater Manchester’s park and ride facilities will be open.

“Commuters can play their part and our advice is simple: plan ahead, be prepared, and think about all your travel choices.”

The Conservative party conference is also taking place in Manchester city centre between Sunday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 4. Public transport is expected to be busier than normal and city centre roads will be subject to closure and diversions.

For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.