Oldham Bee Network bus services disrupted due to driver shortage

Multiple bus services in Oldham were unexpectedly cancelled today, only a week after the launch of the Bee Network.

A significant number of Bee Network bus routes operating to and from the Oldham depot faced cancellations due to a shortage of drivers.

Transport for Greater Manchester has released a notice this morning citing 'issues' with several Bee Network bus services. They said the disruptions are due to a lack of available drivers.

“There are issues with some Bee Network bus services today. A number of bus services are not running due to driver availability.

We are working closely with the operators to resolve these issues and to ensure that as many key routes are running as possible, including last services of the day.

The affected routes include 57, 59, 82, 83, 84, 180, 183, 350, 402, 403 and 411.

Stay up to date by visiting our travel updates. Please talk to Bee Network colleagues at the bus stations and interchanges for information on the exact services affected, who will be able to direct you to alternative options for travel.

We sincerely apologise to any customers affected and would urge anyone with questions or concerns to get in touch with us,” the statement reads.

Here are the areas affected and bus route cancellations:

57 (Rushcroft via Heyside and Shaw)

59 (Piccadilly Gardens and Oldham)

82 (Sholver)

83 (Piccadilly Gardens and Oldham)

84 (Piccadilly Gardens and Grotton)

180 (Greenfield via Lees and Grotton)

183 (Royal Oldham Hospital and Limeside)

350 (Ashton via Delph and Greenfield)

402 (Buckstones via hospital and Royton)

403 (Oldham)

411 (Derker)

Notably, only a week back, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, visited the Oldham Bus Station, now known as the Oldham Interchange, to mark the launch of the Bee Network following the transition from First Manchester.

If you have a story, I want to hear about it. I cover all things Oldham. Please mail me at arundhati@questmedianetwork.co.uk