Bristol Commuters Face Major Bus Delays This September
Bus passengers in Bristol and surrounding towns are preparing for major disruption in September as more than 1,000 drivers employed by First West of England take part in strike action. The walkouts are scheduled across two periods, from 4 to 8 September and again from 16 to 19 September, with depots in Bristol, Bath, Wells and Weston-super-Mare all affected. Since the company is the dominant operator in the region, the strike is expected to interrupt a wide range of daily services.
The dispute follows the rejection of a proposed two-year pay deal. Drivers were offered an additional £1 per hour until March 2026, followed by a further 30p increase, while new staff would receive smaller increments. The deal also excluded backpay for the four months since the last wage anniversary in April. Union representatives have criticised the offer as inadequate, arguing that it fails to address both rising living costs and the company’s recent financial performance.
"First Group PLC can clearly afford to pay our members more, but are choosing to put profits over people. This dispute is entirely of First Group's own making and any disruption could be easily avoided. Our members will have Unite’s complete support."
For frequent bus passengers, the effects are expected to be clear and likely quite irritating. Routes serving Bristol Airport, local universities, and major workplaces are especially vulnerable, potentially making it difficult for many to get to work, school, or catch flights punctually. In Bath, Wells and Weston-super-Mare, where fewer alternative services exist, the loss of scheduled buses may prove even more difficult for those who rely on public transport as their primary means of travel.
Travelers are advised to make arrangements in advance around the strike dates. Those traveling to the airport may need extra time or choose private transport, while everyday commuters could consider trains or ride-sharing to avoid delays. Students returning to universities in early September could face difficulties, potentially having trouble arriving at their classes on time. Passengers can lessen the impact by preparing alternative plans, although they may still encounter long lines and crowded services on other routes.
The impending strike highlights the vulnerability of regional transport networks when pay talks fail. Passengers are concerned not just about temporary interruptions but also about the reliable functioning of the public transport services they use every day. Securing a permanent solution relies on both sides being willing to make concessions. At the same time, continuing doubts about possible strikes are likely to keep disrupting public transport across Bristol and surrounding towns.