Covid-19 update

July 23, 2020

In line with guidance from the Government, if you can you must wear a face covering on public transport from Monday 15 June. Some people may be exempt from wearing a face cover.

Making Travel Safer

As the government has moved to the next phase of managing the Coronavirus pandemic, it has said that more people can return to work.

We all have a responsibility to follow the government advice: Details of government advice are here.

To help, we have prepared these key messages for guidance when using buses. New signage has also been added to bus stops and on our buses to help with guidance while travelling: 

Before you travel

  • Don’t travel by bus if you feel unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms.  
  • See the government guidelines for passengers  it also advises not to travel if you are clinically extremely vulnerable. We therefore recommend you take expert medical advice on this before you do travel if you are unsure if this refers to you.
  • Please pay attention to government guidance by washing your hands before travelling. We don’t provide hand sanitiser so ask that you bring your own.
  • Buses can carry fewer people now so be prepared to wait if your bus is showing a bus full sign even if it appears to have space – the driver may not be able to let you board the bus if social distancing cannot be maintained

At the bus stop

  • Stay safe – Follow social distancing guidelines at all times while waiting.
  • Board the bus one at a time.
  • If the bus is full, only one passenger can board for every passenger that gets off. 
  • Pregnant, older and disabled people may require a seat or extra space, and not all disabilities are visible.

On the bus

  • Follow social distancing guidelines at all times. For some people it is difficult to recognise their distance from others. For example passengers with a sight impairment. We welcome the assistance of all our passengers and colleagues to help and support each other during this time. 
  • Be patient while getting on and off the bus and avoid queuing in the aisle or next to the driver.
  • If you have a sight impairment the driver can advise you of available seating. The driver can also advise and help you in regards to social distancing near the driver’s cab and in the seating areas. 
  • If you do cough or sneeze on the bus, do so into your elbow and take any used tissues with you when you leave the bus.
  • If you can wear a face covering then you must – some people may be exempt from wearing a face cover.
  • Please open windows to help with ventilation.
  • If you need assistance please ask the driver.
  • Please ring the bell if you want to get off at the next stop and remain seated until the bus stops rather than queue in the aisle. This will help to reduce contact with other passengers and the driver.
  • Take any rubbish with you to dispose of safely.
  • When you leave the bus remember to observe social distancing.
  • Once your journey is over, remember to wash your hands.