As employees of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we are concerned about the abrupt discontinuation of the free shuttle bus service, with less than six weeks notice. The lack of consultation and notice has left us and other members of the public who rely on this service in a challenging position.

The shuttle bus service is essential in Trafford and Manchester, particularly for individuals experiencing financial difficulties or health concerns, as well as for those who are responsible for taking care of ill family members and require transportation to and from hospital, visiting relatives, or attending outpatient appointments.

Here are the key points we’d like to emphasise:

Financial Hardship for Employees:

For Band 2 employees, the additional cost of alternative transportation would push earnings well below the minimum wage.  This change will impact the financial situation of all pay bands.

Many of us chose our current employment based on the convenience of the shuttle bus.

Working Parents and Childcare Arrangements:

Longer commutes due to the absence of the shuttle bus create difficulties for working parents. Arriving late to pick up children from nursery can result in additional charges and stress.

Patient Impact:

Unreliable transportation affects our ability to arrive at work on time. Patients depend on our timely presence for appointments, treatments, and emergencies.

The shuttle bus is not just a convenience; it plays a vital role in ensuring seamless healthcare services for our community.

Extended commutes impact not only working parents but also everyone’s work-life balance and overall well-being.

There are limited options available that are both suitable and reasonably priced. The shuttle bus provides a direct route between hospitals, effectively reducing travel time by half.

Our Request:

We respectfully request a reversal of this decision or, at the very least, a fair consultation process. The consequences extend beyond transportation—it’s about livelihoods, time with our families, and connectivity in our wonderful NHS.

A consultation would offer the chance to explore different options, including considering the financial burden on the trust and finding more environmentally friendly solutions. Possible solutions to consider include the use of electric vehicles, adjusting the timetable, utilising smaller vehicles, and implementing a staff payment fee system.  

The absence of the staff shuttle bus could lead to a larger environmental impact if employees drive their cars to other sites to be able to carry out their role. This would result in higher mileage claims and increased reimbursement costs for the trust.

Please sign this petition to support the shuttle bus service and make sure employees can get to work easily and the public can make it to hospital appointments. Let's work together to keep these services running smoothly.