Second bus strike on Island runs its course

A second strike by bus drivers on the Island has taken place.

It was called by Unite in the long-running dispute over changes to drivers' terms and conditions.

Bus Vannin operated a Sunday service from 1pm when the drivers walked out, although many buses were taken back by management earlier than that to ensure no vehicles were abandoned on the road.

Steam trains were used in the south instead of buses 1 and 2, while the Manx Electric Railway was operating again between Douglas and Ramsey to replace service No 3.

Unite members mounted a picket line at Bank's Circus but the replacement non-union drivers boarded buses from another depot to avoid confrontation.

Director of Public Transport Ian Longworth says passenger numbers during the strike were down.

Meanwhile, Eric Holmes from the Unite union says the drivers have remained upbeat through the day.