North West Route 375 Adapts to Staff Challenges
Route 375 cancels 6:50 p.m. Southport and 8:30 p.m. Wigan trips due to staff illness
Route 375 Cuts Two Evening Trips Due to Staff Illness
Two evening bus trips on Route 375 won't run tonight between Southport and Wigan due to staff illness, transit officials said. The cancellations affect the 6:50 p.m. departure from Southport and the 8:30 p.m. return from Wigan, announced Friday. Riders planning to use these services need to find alternative transportation.
Staff Shortages Continue to Impact Transit Service
The service disruptions reflect ongoing challenges transit agencies face with staff availability, particularly for evening shifts. Officials classified the cancellations as high-severity due to the impact on evening commuters who rely on these connections. Transit agencies typically experience higher rates of unplanned absences during winter months due to seasonal illness. Specific details about how many riders typically use these services or whether substitute transportation will be provided weren't available by publication time.
Two Specific Departures Canceled on Southport-Wigan Route
The 18:50 departure from Southport and the 20:30 service from Wigan represent key evening connections for commuters and travelers in the North West region. Officials didn't say whether other Route 375 services earlier or later in the evening will operate normally. The agency hasn't indicated how long the staff shortage might continue or whether weekend services could face similar disruptions. Transit officials said riders should check for updates before heading to bus stops.
Cancellations Take Effect Friday Evening
The service cancellations were announced January 31, 2026, for that evening's operations. Officials didn't provide advance notice of how much time riders had to make alternative arrangements. Whether the same services will operate normally on subsequent days wasn't specified by the transit agency.
Riders Advised to Plan Ahead for Evening Travel
Evening commuters who regularly use the affected services should allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes or transportation options. The cancellations may impact connecting services for riders traveling beyond Southport or Wigan. Moovit provides real-time service alerts and alternative route suggestions for Route 375 and other North West transit options to help riders navigate disruptions.
