Strike Disruptions in Greater Manchester: What Travelers Need to Know About Transport Facilities

Published on November 26, 2025

Commuters and travelers in Greater Manchester are facing significant disruptions on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, due to industrial action by staff at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). Although bus and tram services are operating without major interruptions, several key facilities at transport interchanges are being affected.

TfGM, which oversees the city’s transport network, has seen strikes impact its staff across a variety of locations, leading to the closure of essential services like ticket offices and public toilets at several major bus stations and interchanges. The strike is set to continue throughout the week, creating ongoing challenges for commuters, especially those relying on these services.

Impact of the TfGM Strike on Commuters

For the duration of the strike, which is planned to run through the entire week, a number of TfGM travel shops and essential facilities will be unavailable or operating under limited hours. While the strike has not affected the operation of buses or trams—both continue to run as normal—it is causing inconvenience for passengers at the affected locations.

Affected Travel Shops and Facilities

• Closed or Limited Hours for Travel Shops: Most TfGM travel shops across the city will remain closed, with only three locations remaining open for limited hours:
  • Bury Travel Shop: Open until 3:40 pm
  • Wythenshawe Travel Shop: Open until 1:15 pm, then from 2 pm to 4 pm
  • Shudehill Travel Shop: Open until 6 pm
    All other information and ticket offices will remain closed for the entire day.
• Facility Closures: Several major interchanges will see the closure of public amenities like toilets and ticket offices, including the following stations:
  • Ashton-under-Lyne
  • Bury
  • Eccles
  • Horwich Parkway
  • Hyde
  • Leigh
  • Middleton
  • Oldham
  • Rochdale
  • Wigan
  • Wythenshawe
• Facilities Open: For those traveling through the following interchanges, public toilets remain available:
  • Altrincham
  • Bolton
  • Stockport
  • Shudehill

While bus and tram services are unaffected, passengers are advised to be aware of the changes and plan accordingly.

Tips for Commuters and Travelers During the Disruption

1. Plan Ahead for Facility Access: If you need to use public restrooms or visit a travel shop, check ahead to ensure that the facility you are planning to use is open. With most locations closed, some interchanges like Shudehill, Bolton, and Stockport are your best bet.
2. Check Local Updates: Since some stations will only be partially open, it’s essential to check for any local updates to avoid unnecessary frustration. Keep an eye on TfGM’s official website and social media channels for the latest information.
3. Alternative Transport Options: If you are traveling through affected areas, consider looking for other transport hubs or nearby facilities. While services like buses and trams are operating as usual, disruptions in amenities may require you to adjust your plans.
4. Expect Crowds at Open Locations: As fewer facilities are open, interchanges with available services like public toilets or travel shops may become crowded, especially during peak hours. Plan your visit during less busy times to avoid long lines.

The Broader Impact on Tourism and Business Travel

While local commuters face the brunt of the disruption, business travelers and tourists also need to be prepared for the inconvenience caused by the strike. The reduction in the availability of services like ticket offices and public amenities could lead to delays, confusion, and even frustration for those unfamiliar with the area.

Business travelers relying on TfGM services should plan their journeys carefully, especially if they need to purchase tickets or access specific information at travel shops. Similarly, tourists heading to the city for leisure or sightseeing might face challenges in accessing the services they need, particularly when it comes to securing tickets for travel or using public restrooms at the interchanges.

How Tourists Can Navigate the Disruptions

1. Stay Informed: Travelers should stay informed about the disruptions by checking updates from official TfGM sources or from their travel providers. This will help you avoid any unnecessary delays or confusion when navigating the city.
2. Use Digital Platforms: For tourists unfamiliar with the transport system, it’s helpful to rely on digital platforms for purchasing tickets, planning routes, and accessing services. TfGM’s mobile app and other online platforms may provide alternatives to visiting travel shops in person.
3. Travel Off-Peak: To avoid added stress and delays caused by the strike, travelers should aim to use transport during off-peak times. Early mornings or later evenings might offer quieter conditions at open stations and interchanges.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Transport Services in Greater Manchester?

With the strike set to continue for the rest of the week, commuters and travelers will have to adjust their plans accordingly. TfGM has yet to announce when the strike will conclude, and while the bus and tram networks remain unaffected, it’s clear that the closure of essential facilities will continue to impact passengers for the time being.

TfGM staff are expected to meet with union representatives later this week to discuss the ongoing situation. Further updates will likely be issued in the coming days, and passengers are encouraged to monitor official TfGM communications closely.

Key Takeaways

• Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) staff are on strike, impacting travel shops and amenities at several major interchanges across Greater Manchester.
• Bus and tram services remain unaffected, but public toilets and ticket offices at numerous interchanges are closed.
• Travel shops will remain open at limited hours at just three locations: Bury, Wythenshawe, and Shudehill.
• Tourists and business travelers are advised to check for updates and plan ahead, especially when needing to use public facilities or purchase tickets.
• The strike will last throughout the week, with further updates expected from TfGM.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated