COMMUTERS were bracing themselves for transport chaos today with bus drivers walking out on strike.

Hundreds of staff at York bus company First are expected to stay away from work in the first of a planned series of one-day stoppages.

Only contracted park-and-ride services are guaranteed to operate during the action over pay.

First commercial manager Peter Edwards said the company would be trying to run a ten-minute frequency service from three sites at Grimston Bar, Askham Bar and Rawcliffe Bar.

A total of 15 strike dates have been scheduled by the drivers' union, the TGWU.

Two strike days were cancelled last week amid last-ditch efforts to find a solution which ultimately failed.

The drivers are striking after rejecting a number of pay offers.

They want a basic pay of £8-an-hour, but First said their demands were unacceptable.

Mr Edwards said: "We are really upset that it has come to this.

"We have worked hard to try and reach a solution with staff and we are sorry that our customers in York are going to be inconvenienced in this way, and possibly for four days next week if this is not resolved."

Meanwhile the local council, fearful of the strike causing severe delays, is urging people to help them to minimise disruption.

"One of the key ways residents can help is by using alternative forms of transport such as walking and cycling and by putting off unnecessary car trips where possible, or sharing journeys," said a spokesman.