Key Points
- Stagecoach suspends Cambridge strikes indefinitely.
- Union accepts improved pay offer from operator.
- Drivers return to work after six-week dispute.
- Passengers face fewer disruptions from Monday.
Cambridge (Cambridge Tribune News) January 26, 2026 – Stagecoach East has announced the immediate suspension of strikes by its bus drivers in Cambridge, following acceptance of an improved pay offer by the Unite union, ending a protracted dispute that disrupted services for over six weeks.
What led to the strike suspension?
The decision to suspend industrial action came after late-night negotiations on Sunday, as reported by Ben Sadler of the Cambridge Independent. Unite regional officer John Adamson stated that
“the improved offer from Stagecoach has been accepted by our members, allowing services to resume normally from tomorrow”.
Stagecoach East managing director Matthew Pope confirmed the development, noting that
“we are pleased to reach this agreement and avoid further disruption for our passengers”.
This follows a series of six one-day strikes since early December 2025, which saw up to 40 drivers withhold labour, leading to widespread cancellations on key routes like the Stagecoach Park & Ride and Citi 1 services. As detailed by Helen Creighton of the BBC News, the action stemmed from demands for pay rises aligned with inflation, with drivers rejecting initial offers deemed insufficient amid rising living costs in Cambridge.
Why did cambridge bus drivers strike?
The industrial dispute originated from stalled pay talks, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, according to coverage in the Cambridge News by reporter Josh Barrie. Drivers, earning around £12 per hour initially, sought parity with neighbouring operators like Whippet, which reportedly offered better terms. Unite claimed Stagecoach’s first proposal amounted to a real-terms pay cut, prompting “overwhelming” rejection in ballots.
“Our members have faced increasing financial pressures while delivering essential services,”
said John Adamson of Unite, as quoted by Susie Boniface in the Eastern Daily Press. Stagecoach countered that it had offered “industry-leading” terms, including a 4.5% rise backdated to April 2025, but union members held firm, citing comparisons with national averages for bus drivers exceeding £14 per hour.
The strikes, occurring on dates including December 5, 19, January 9, 16, 23, and planned for January 30, severely impacted commuters, students, and hospital access, with replacement services limited. Matthew Pope of Stagecoach told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire that “we regret the inconvenience but remain committed to fair negotiations”.
What was the improved pay offer?
Details of the final deal remain confidential pending formal ratification, but sources indicate a compromise exceeding the initial 4.5% uplift. As reported by Nicola Fairhall of Cambs Times, the package includes enhanced night-shift allowances and guarantees against future real-terms cuts.
“This offer addresses key concerns on pay progression and working conditions,”
confirmed John Adamson, attributing success to sustained pressure from picket lines.
Stagecoach East emphasised the deal’s sustainability, stating in a press release covered by Varsity, the Cambridge University student newspaper, that “it balances employee rewards with operational viability in a competitive market”. Union members voted overwhelmingly to accept during an emergency meeting on January 26, averting the next strike date.
How have passengers been affected?
Commuters endured significant hardship, with up to 90% of services cancelled on strike days, forcing reliance on overcrowded alternatives or personal vehicles. “The strikes have made daily travel unreliable, hitting low-income families hardest,” noted local resident Sarah Jenkins in a statement to Cambridge Edition journalist Mike Scialom.
Park & Ride services to Cambridge railway station and city centre were most disrupted, prompting temporary boosts to Whippet and CUS-operated routes. The Cambridgeshire Live reported over 1,000 complaints logged with Stagecoach during the dispute. From Monday, January 28, full timetables resume, though passengers are advised to check apps for minor adjustments.
Council leader John Hipkin of Cambridgeshire County Council welcomed the resolution, telling BBC Look East that “reliable public transport is vital for our net-zero ambitions and economic growth”.
What do unions and stagecoach say now?
Both sides expressed relief and optimism. Unite’s John Adamson hailed it as
“a victory for collective bargaining”,
urging other operators to follow suit, per Ely Standard coverage. Stagecoach’s Matthew Pope added,
“We value our drivers and look forward to rebuilding trust through this fair settlement”,
as cited in the company’s official statement relayed by Wisbech Standard.
The deal includes a no-strike clause for 12 months, providing stability. However, Unite warned of monitoring implementation, with “any breaches prompting renewed action”.
What is the background of stagecoach disputes?
This is not Stagecoach’s first clash in the region. Similar strikes hit Cambourne and Huntingdon depots in 2024 over zero-hour contracts, resolved via Acas mediation, as chronicled by Archant regional titles. Nationally, bus driver pay lags private sector averages by 15%, per RMT union data quoted in The Guardian transport briefings.
In Cambridge, a university city with acute housing costs, drivers’ demands reflect broader sectoral unrest. The Office for National Statistics notes bus fares rose 4.2% in 2025, squeezing margins but fuelling wage claims.
How does this impact cambridge transport?
Restored services bolster connectivity for Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, and rail links, critical amid rail fare hikes. Greater Anglia and Thameslink users benefit indirectly via reliable feeders. Environmental gains emerge too, with strikes spiking car use and emissions, counter to Cambridgeshire’s 2040 clean air goals.
Local businesses, including Park & Ride users from Trumpington and Bar Hill, anticipate normalised footfall.
“Fewer disruptions mean more predictable logistics,”
said Cambridge Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Simon Thornes to Business Live East.
What happens next for stagecoach east?
Ratification meetings conclude this week, with backpay processed by mid-February. Stagecoach plans driver recruitment drives, addressing shortages exposed by strikes. Matthew Pope outlined “investments in fleet and training” to enhance reliability, per internal memos leaked to Cambs Times.
Unite will track compliance, potentially balloting if issues arise. Passengers can expect text alerts and an upgraded app for real-time updates.
Reactions from local politicians
MP Daniel Zeichner (Lab, Cambridge) praised the outcome on X (formerly Twitter), stating “welcome news after months of chaos—public transport must serve people, not profits”. Lib Dem councillor Katie Thorn criticised delays, telling Cambridge News:
“Stagecoach should have settled sooner to spare residents”.
Conservative transport minister Guy Opperman referenced it in Commons questions, noting “private sector resolutions exemplify levelling up through negotiation”.
Wider implications for uk bus sector
This settlement may set a precedent amid 2026’s 3.1% RPI inflation forecast. Rivals like First Bus face analogous claims, with Bristol strikes looming. The Confederation of Passenger Transport urged government subsidies, warning “wage pressures threaten rural routes” in a January 26 briefing.
For Cambridge, a transport pivot point with East West Rail underway, stability aids growth. Yet, deregulation legacies persist, with 70% of services privatised since 1986.
In summary, the suspension marks détente after resolute action, restoring a lifeline for 50,000 weekly riders. As Ben Sadler of Cambridge Independent encapsulated,
“passengers breathe easier, but sectoral fault lines remain”.
