Taylor Swift fans face travel chaos getting to Liverpool stadium for concerts

Taylor Swift fans who plan on travelling to Anfield for the superstar’s concert could face major disruption. As many as 500 bus drivers are expected to strike during June.

Unite the union has announced the drivers will take industrial action this month due to major disparities across their pay and that of Arriva drivers. This will severely hinder the thousands of Swift fans, also known as ‘Swifties’, who plan to flock to the Liverpool stadium from June 13 to June 15.

The union has stated that Stagecoach drivers are paid $1.78 (£1.40/€1.6) less than Arriva drivers, which leads to a $3800 (£3000/€3500) difference in the annual salaries for the same role. Stagecoach has since claimed their offer is ‘very fair’ to the drivers.

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The union’s general secretary Sharon Graham said: “For too long Stagecoach has gotten away with paying its Liverpool drivers on the cheap. It can totally afford to equalise pay with Arriva and that is what needs to happen. Unite’s Liverpool Stagecoach members have their union’s total backing in striking for a fair pay rise.”

Strikes will begin on June 13, when the first Swift concert is set to kick off, and will last until June 18. Therefore meaning all three Swift concerts are set to be impacted.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire commented on the disagreement by saying: “We have worked closely with union representatives to try to agree a pay deal. Throughout this process, we have done our utmost to present an offer that meets their expectations whilst also being affordable for the long-term sustainability of the region’s bus network.

“We have made a very fair pay offer to our employees of 4.2%, which is 1.9% higher than current inflation rates and we will continue to work constructively to reach a resolution. Contingency plans are also being prepared which will allow us to operate as many services for our customers as possible in the event the union presses ahead with unnecessary strike action.”

Liverpool.com says: Arriva buses are set to still be operating at the time of the concerts. Alternative travel by train is also available if you catch the Merseyrail service to Sandhills and walk around 25 minutes to Anfield.