BUS passengers are warned to expect major disruption again today during a second day of strike action.

Arriva North West buses has confirmed that a 24-hour walkout by Unite and GMB union members will go ahead, amid a continuing pay dispute.

Around 2,000 drivers and engineers — including 130 in Bolton — first went on strike on Thursday and plan another day of action across the North West on October 30.

During these times there will be no planned Arriva bus services operating within Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Cheshire, except for services running out of Chester depot and services into Chester from Wrexham and Rhyl.

Arriva's website states that it operates the 575, 574, 538, 510, 534, and 541 services.

Phil Stone, managing director for Arriva North West said: “There have been further talks with the Union with an improved offer being made in the hope of preventing further disruptive strike action.

"Despite this improved offer Unite and GMB remain intent on proceeding with the planned action on Monday October 23.

“We have tabled a fair pay deal for our drivers in the region and so continue to urge our trade union colleagues to reconsider their position and get back round the negotiating table and call off the strike action. Management have offered to meet today or over the next few days before Mondays strike action to try and reach agreement

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

"Arriva customers with pre-paid tickets travelling in Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire will be able to use them on the Merseyrail and Northern rail networks, and all Arriva tickets will be accepted on the Stagecoach Quality Network Routes in Merseyside.

“Our priority is to continue working together with UNITE and GMB to reach a mutually acceptable outcome, recognising that any pay increase has to be sustainable for the business going forward.”

The unions are asking for a pay rise in line with the three per cent rate of inflation.

On Thursday, Unite regional organiser Neil Clarke said: "The people on the picket lines are the ones who bring in the revenue, yet they are being asked to take a pay rise that does not keep pace with the cost of living.

"The employer could have easily afforded to resolve this issue, but they made a decision not to.

"They don't have the desire to resolve this, but they do have the ability."

He added that Unite members will remain open to 'reasonable negotiation'.