TOMORROW’S buses will be running a Sunday service because of the planned strike.
There will be two two-hour stoppages tomorrow (Wednesday), with one at 7.30am and the other at 3pm.
The government minister in charge of buses last week accused the union of targeting children because of the timing of the strike.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/children-targets-of-bus-strike-says-cregeen-1-5460119|Click here to read last week’s story}
Nick Black, chief executive officer of the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, which runs the bus service, today said: ‘We clearly cannot take the risk of passengers not being able to complete their journeys during the transition periods to the strike and must ensure that all buses are in the correct locations for services throughout the day.
‘Therefore, subject to changing conditions during the strike, buses are scheduled to operate timetables based on the regular Sunday and Bank Holiday timetables for the full day but with additional services at peak hours to serve schools and commuter travel.
‘The Isle of Man Steam Railway and Manx Electric Railway will also operate at peak times for schools and commuters but will not run throughout the rest of the day.’
Full timetables are now available at the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas and online at www.iombusandrail.info and cf.gov.im.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/trains-take-strain-again-in-strike-1-5465584|Click here to read our story about the trains}
In addition to the temporary bus time timetables and rail services, the Department of Infrastructure have confirmed that additional parking is available on the following locations:
· Circus Beach (pre-check in area) is available strictly between 9am and 5pm (up to 40 spaces), access through ferry entrance. There will be a £4 per day charge to use this area.
· The Bowl car park on Pulrose Road (Douglas Corporation) pay and display (100-plus spaces).
· There will be no additional parking available on Douglas Promenade Walkway.
The department has also suggested:
· Car sharing – which can be arranged using www.journeymatch.im.
· Flexible working hours – 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
The dispute stems from a number of issues, including a proposal to end paid lunches for drivers.