NO bus passenger will be left stranded during tomorrow’s strike, transport bosses say.
The bus drivers’ union, Unite, is holding a strike tomorrow from 1pm to 6pm in a dispute about a number of issues, including the loss of paid lunches.
Nick Black, chief executive officer of the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, which runs the nationalised bus service, said: ‘The regular school day timetable is scheduled for the morning peak to ensure children can get to school and commuters arrive at work at the normal time. This will continue until approximately 11am. We are intending to implement a reduced service for the strike period and schools have been notified of any changes to their afternoon services. Normal service will resume from 6:30pm.’
Mr Black added: ‘I can assure the public though that no passengers will be left stranded as a result of a bus not completing a journey as any buses operating at 1pm will be driven by staff who are not taking industrial action.’
Full timetables are available at the Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal (662525) and online at www.iombusandrail.info and cf.gov.im.
In addition to the temporary bus time timetables and rail services, the Department of Infrastructure have confirmed that additional parking is available at the following locations:
· Douglas Promenade – short stay parking (up to three hours) is available on the promenade in the same area that is used during the Christmas shopping period available from 9.30am to 9pm.
· Quarterbridge, main car park on Peel Rd (20 plus) and overflow car park on New Castletown Rd (20) both between 8am and 9pm.
· The Bowl car park on Pulrose Rd (Douglas Corporation) pay and display (100 plus).
· Circus Beach (pre-check in area) is available strictly between 9am and 5pm (up to 40 spaces), access through ferry entrance.
· Victoria Pier is made available between 8am and 9.30pm (100 spaces plus), access on left hand side approach to Sea Terminal. This is the section beyond the 1hr area. (Vehicles are parked at the owner’s discretion. DOI advise the public to avoid parking there if weather forecast is poor)
Due to the potential for increased congestion on the day of the strike, the Department would encourage commuters, where possible, to also consider some of the following options:
· Car sharing – which can be arranged using www.journeymatch.im.
· Flexible Working Hours – with buses operating as normal until 11am, then resuming at 6.30pm, it may be possible for some employers/employees to make flexible working arrangements.
· It may also be possible for some employees to work from home
Peter Karran MHK (Lib Van, Onchan) accused Isle of Man Newspapers of ‘black propaganda’ on behalf of the government during a Tynwald debate this week because of our story revealing that bus drivers were entitled to a £400 pay rise because of a Whitley Council agreement.
Read the full story in tomorrow’s Manx Independent