The strike is on!

The Island’s bus drivers have started three days of strike action in a row over pay and conditions.

It’s the result of failed talks between the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure and the union Unite.

A limited timetable is operating on some routes and the Island’s trams and steam trains are also being pressed into service as replacements for certain services.

School buses are also affected alongside scheduled buses for the public.

The department is urging people to check bus timetables before they travel – and says the emergency timetables are online (see story below):

The Welcome Centre at Douglas Sea Terminal will be open from 8am til 6pm on all three days to answer queries – you can call 662525 for information.

And you can find out all the latest information on Manxradio.com and our Facebook page.

The first bus left Port St Mary at 5.56am, the first tram left Laxey for Ramsey at 6.05am.

What will make life more difficult for some is the weather.

The Met Office is warning of further localised flooding because of heavy rain.

The Garth Road is shut from its junction with Ellerslie Farm Road to its junction at the Garth Crossroads because of flood water.

Christmas parking on Douglas Promenade Walkway has also been suspended - due to high tides and prevailing winds – until at least 9.30am.

Police are advising motorists to take particular care by the Fairy Bridge. The road is open but there's a lot of standing water.

Infrastructure chiefs are on the scene.