THERE are no Arriva bus services running in the town today as a 24-hour strike by drivers takes place.

It is the first of three planned strikes by Arriva North West, with others scheduled for Monday, October 23 and Monday, October 30, over a dispute regarding pay.

No bus services from Arriva will run in all of St Helens and across Merseyside, as well as Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Cheshire.

Drivers are expected to be on the picket line at St Helens station today.

Customers with pre-paid tickets travelling in Merseyside can use them on the Merseyrail networks on all three strike days and Arriva tickets will be accepted on Stagecoach routes on those days.

Furthermore, all Arriva tickets will be accepted on Stagecoach Quality Network Routes.

Phil Stone, managing director for Arriva North West, said: “It is disappointing that following a further meeting with Unite and GMB yesterday and two improved offers being made they are proceeding with disruptive strike action.

“We believe that we have tabled a fair pay deal for our drivers in the region.

“Arriva North West wholeheartedly apologises to our customers for the disruption this strike action will cause to their journeys.

“However, we can confirm that Arriva customers with pre-paid tickets travelling in Merseyside will be able to use them on the Merseyrail network, and that all Arriva tickets will be accepted on the Stagecoach Quality Network Routes.

“We remain committed to working together with UNITE and GMB to reach a mutually acceptable outcome, however any pay increase has to be sustainable for the business going forward.

“We are urging our trade union colleagues to reconsider their position and get back round the negotiating table and call off the strike action that will unnecessarily disrupt many thousands of passengers.”

Customers can follow Arriva on Twitter on @arrivanorthwest and Facebook @northwestarriva for more information about the services relating to the strike dates.

To enquire about specific bus services, call 0344 8004411.