The Trades Union Council has acknowledged the severe reduction in bus services during the ongoing industrial action, as the current 10-day strike by drivers is due to conclude tomorrow.
According to the TUC, the normal weekday timetable operates over 400 services, but the contingency timetable has run between just 29 and 43 scheduled services per day.
The union said that this represents “around 10% of a normal weekday network, with only a small number of buses cycling core routes”.
In a statement, the TUC argued that maintaining limited links is not the same as a full transport system, warning of a “wider impact” being felt across the island, including reduced town footfall and pressure on retail and hospitality.
Contingency
It comes after Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall MHK told Tynwald that contingency arrangements were “working well.”
The TUC acknowledged that the industrial action concludes early Tuesday morning.
However, it says that the onus is now on the department to restore a full service, saying: “From that point, the restoration of a full and reliable service rests with the department and its willingness to engage properly to reach a fair agreement.”
Unite the union also reiterated that its members are not seeking disruption for its own sake.
“Drivers do not want disruption. They live and work in the same communities affected,” it added.
Further strike dates had previously been announced for March if no resolution is found