Manchester public transport strikes - what was the impact?

The September 2025 bus strikes on Greater Manchester’s Bee Network brought into sharp relief the delicate balance between operational reliability, worker welfare, and commuter needs in a modern urban transport system.

Over four days, thousands of bus services were suspended as drivers, represented by Unite the Union, walked out over disputes regarding pay and working conditions. For many residents, the disruption underscored just how dependent the region is on its public transport infrastructure—and how vulnerable it can be to industrial action.

Commuters faced the brunt of the disruption. Communities with limited alternative transport options, such as smaller villages or outer suburbs, found themselves effectively cut off. Reports from areas like Hollingworth highlighted the challenges faced by residents who rely almost exclusively on buses. Even in more urban areas, passengers struggled with overcrowded alternative modes, longer journey times, and the anxiety of uncertainty. For many, the strikes were not simply an inconvenience—they were a reminder of how intertwined mobility, access to employment, and daily life have become with reliable public transport.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) responded with an emphasis on mitigation and information. Advisories encouraged passengers to check services in advance and explore alternative options such as trams and trains. TfGM also emphasized the ongoing need to resolve the underlying disputes to prevent future disruptions.

The agency’s measured response reflected the broader challenges faced by transport authorities everywhere: balancing the operational realities of complex transport networks with the expectations and experiences of the public.

The strikes also illuminated some of the strategic opportunities for Greater Manchester as it continues to develop the Bee Network. First, the situation highlighted the importance of diversified transport options.

Cities that can offer flexible, integrated systems—combining buses, trams, trains, cycling infrastructure, and emerging micro-mobility solutions—are better positioned to absorb shocks like industrial action. Second, communication proved critical. Timely, clear, and accessible updates can make a tangible difference for passengers navigating disruption, mitigating frustration, and maintaining trust in the system. Finally, the strikes underscored the human dimension of public transport: without the workforce operating services, even the best-laid network plans can come to a halt. This raises important questions about how cities can better engage with and support frontline transport workers while ensuring sustainable operational models.

The longer-term lesson is clear: as Greater Manchester seeks to position the Bee Network as a modern, integrated, and reliable system, resilience must be built not only into the infrastructure but into the relationships, policies, and communications that underpin it. Industrial action will always be a possibility in any labor-intensive service, but the severity of its impact can be mitigated through thoughtful planning, strong engagement with employees, and robust contingency strategies.

The experiences of travellers during the September strikes should serve as a catalyst for reflection. Their frustration, adaptability, and reliance on public transport reveal both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the system. Meanwhile, TfGM’s response highlights the ongoing need for leadership that can manage complex operations while addressing stakeholder expectations and planning for long-term improvements.

Ultimately, the strikes are a reminder that building a truly resilient urban transport network is about more than vehicles, schedules, or routes. It is about understanding the intricate interplay between workforce, infrastructure, and passenger experience—and leveraging those insights to design systems that are not only efficient but also adaptable, inclusive, and future-ready.