BUS drivers were back on the picket line today – with no end in sight to the long-running dispute over their terms and conditions.
The half-day stoppage began at 1pm and were due to continue until 6pm.
Fears that passengers could be left stranded did not materialise as all buses operating at 1pm were driven by staff not taking industrial action.
Contingency measures using trains, trams and non-union drivers appeared to go to plan.
Unite regional officer Eric Holmes said there was a bigger turn-out on the picket line than during the first three-day strike before Christmas.
He said: ‘It’s good to see the drivers’ resolve has not been broken.’