Bus services in Manchester will now run normally this weekend, following unions calling off strike action.
The strikes, proposed to take place on October 10th, 11th and 13th, have been suspended while Unite the Union ballots drivers on a new pay offer from operators, TFGM reports.
Most bus services in Greater Manchester will run as normal this weekend.
While most buses will run as normal, there may still be disruption to some services.
Please check before you travel and leave plenty of time for your journey.
More info: https://t.co/7EbJzuo5MY pic.twitter.com/TnsUARqX4E
— Bee Network (@BeeNetwork) October 9, 2025
Bus drivers across the Bee Network were planning to strike this weekend after talks between Unite the Union and employers failed to reach a deal.
This weekend’s cancelled strikes followed previous coordinated strikes from drivers across Manchester depots, employed by Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester and First Bus Rochdale, which caused travel delays and cancellations across the city.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said:
“Bus drivers are critical to the success of the Bee Network and we value what they do to keep Greater Manchester moving.
“We’ve been working hard to get to this point and are pleased Unite has called off this weekend’s strikes. We are hopeful that an agreement between operators and the union 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.”
Given that strikes were suspended this evening, some disruption to Bee Network services is still expected, and passengers are being encouraged to check before travelling, with updates available here.
