By News Plug Local Desk
Bristol is bracing for major disruption this week after around 600 bus drivers with First West of England launched a four-day strike over pay. The industrial action, set to run from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 September 2025, is expected to severely impact bus services across the city, especially Cityline routes, and create ripple effects for commuters, students, and businesses.
Who’s Involved & Why the Strike Happened
- Drivers walking out are based at Lawrence Hill and Hengrove depots. These depots cover many inner-city routes, plus services to Bristol Airport, local universities, and Amazon’s warehouse.
- The union representing the workers, Unite, say that their pay rises over the past three years have been below inflation, meaning real earnings have declined. They argue the latest offer from First West is inadequate.
- First West, on the other hand, call their proposal a “full and final pay offer.” They say they have increased wages above inflation in recent years and are disappointed the union rejected their latest offer.
What It Means for Passengers
- Service levels will be heavily reduced on many Cityline routes. First West has published revised timetables, reflecting “much lower level of service” during the strike period.
- Some routes will be entirely cancelled. Others will run only at reduced frequency, or only during certain hours.
- Key services expected to be disrupted include those to universities, to the airport, and essential commuting routes. Students starting freshers, shift workers, people without alternative transport are likely to be hit hardest.
- Some services outside Bristol are not affected: for example, services in Bath and North East Somerset, Wells, Weston-super-Mare, and North Somerset will operate as normal. Also, the Metrobus services are unaffected.
What Management & Union Are Saying
- From Unite: Drivers feel overlooked. They say that First West, which is part of the larger First Group, can afford a better deal — citing healthy profits and dividend increases. Union leaders are pushing for a more substantial pay rise that reflects inflation and the cost of living.
- From First West: The company stresses it has already made generous offers relative to past years. Managing Director Doug Claringbold expressed disappointment that Cityline staff rejected the offer. They say they remain open to negotiation but are calling the current offer their final one.
Wider Impacts & Community Reaction
- Many commuters are already reporting delays, cancelled trips, and uncertainty. Some say they have no alternative transport and will struggle to get to work or university.
- Students especially are concerned. Freshers starting university often rely on buses to get to lectures and social events, and disruptions early in term are making things harder.
- Local businesses near bus routes are also worried they’ll lose foot traffic, especially those reliant on regular commuter flows.
What Could Happen Next
- The strike is currently set for the four days. If no new agreement is reached, there may be calls for extended action. Unite has indicated it’s ready to escalate if its demands aren’t met.
- First West could come back with a revised offer, especially if public pressure mounts. But as of the latest, they’ve declared the current offer their final one for Cityline workers.
Tips for Getting Around
- Check First West’s website or app for live service updates.
- Allow extra time for your journeys. Delay is likely.
- If possible, consider alternative transport: carpool, cycling, walking, or even working from home where feasible.
- For essential services—airport, universities—plan ahead and check whether your route is affected.
TL;DR
- ~600 First West of England Cityline bus drivers are striking from 16–19 September over pay.
- Inner-city routes, airport, university services in Bristol will be most affected; many bus lines operating reduced services or cancelled.
- Union says past raises haven’t kept up with inflation; the company says their latest offer is their best.
- Some outer areas and Metrobus are mostly unaffected, but widespread disruption expected.
