Details of altered services released as bus and rail unions strike
Strikes are set to impact Arriva buses, Merseyrail and Northern Rail services today, as well as further dates in November, as disputes continue over pay and plans to move to driver-only operated trains.
Industrial action is due to affect Arriva bus services on Wednesday 8 November, and again on Monday 13, Monday 20 and Monday 27 November.
No Arriva bus services will operate within Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Cheshire, except for services running out of the Chester depot 1, 1A, 15, 15A, DB1, DB2, DB4, 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 10, 10A, 82 and services coming into Chester from Wrexham and Rhyl which will run as normal. In Merseyside, Arriva services will not be running with the exception of the 713 and the existing park and ride services in Southport.
Bus services by other operators including Stagecoach are due to run as normal.
Today, Merseyrail services are planned to run every 30 minutes, with the exception of the New Brighton to Liverpool services which will be every hour, from around 7am to 7pm, with a break in service between around 11.30am and 2.30pm.
Passengers are being advised to check the Merseyrail website and Twitter feed before travelling, as it is possible that timetables will change prior to, as well as during, strike action.
Meanwhile, Northern will operate a reduced service, with the majority of trains operating between 7am and 7pm.
Other train operating companies including TransPennine Express, East Midlands Trains and London Midland will continue to operate as normal.
Members of Unite and GMB are striking in order to secure increased pay for Arriva bus drivers, while RMT is striking in protest over Merseyrail and Northern Rail’s plans to reduce staffing on trains to solely drivers.
Advice for commuters can be found at nationalrail.co.uk or by following @northernassist with further Greater Manchester information at tfgm.com/industrial-action. Merseyrail timetables and information can be found at merseytravel.gov.uk/railstrike.
Not ideal re strike but agree that we need more than just a driver on a train and we must all think of the consequences of not having a guard!
By Russell Bolton
Agree, Russell Bolton. I worked in Mersey Travel occupational health unit and observed the stress and pressure the drivers experienced without backup of guards.
Then when guards were re-instated morale and health improved. This removal of necessary staff is a backward step simply about saving money.
By OW