Coronavirus update: more buses to run as people start returning to work

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Coronavirus update: more buses to run as people start returning to work

FROM Sunday 31 May, in response to the government’s updated coronavirus advice, bus company East Yorkshire will be increasing their bus services.

Most bus services that are currently running during lockdown will have extra journeys, and many routes that were suspended at the start of the crisis will return.

The enhanced services will help ensure social distancing can be maintained by providing more journeys to spread out passengers, whilst also giving travel options to those who are returning to work.

The new timetables are available to view online now at www.eastyorkshirebuses.co.uk, through social media, and on the East Yorkshire Buses app. Those without internet access can get the new times by ringing the travel advice service BusLine, on 01482 59 29 29, which is open Monday-Friday, 8am-1pm. Lines are expected to be very busy, so we would ask that only those who cannot access timetables online call.

Ben Gilligan, East Yorkshire’s Area Director, said: “As more people go back to work, it is becoming harder to maintain social distancing for passengers on our reduced lockdown timetables. Increasing the number of journeys means that there will be fewer people on each bus, which will help keep everyone safe.”

“During the last few weeks, we have seen increasing numbers of people using the bus. We would like to remind people that the government’s current guidance is that people should use public transport for essential journeys only, for example getting to work if you can’t work from home, or picking up essential shopping. Unless you absolutely have to travel, please stay at home, and leave buses clear for key workers.”

To keep to strict social distancing rules, buses will only be able to carry a fraction of their normal number of passengers, which will be a maximum of 20 passengers on a double decker. Once these numbers are reached, the bus will not be able to pick anyone else up. This will be signalled by the bus showing ‘Bus full’ on the front destination screen. All passengers should be aware that buses may get full, and they should be prepared to wait for another bus. Where possible, the company will send out extra buses on routes when drivers report they are full, but this will not be possible all the time, so it is advised that passengers avoid travelling at the busiest times of day – for example, rush hour – and be prepared to wait for another bus if they have to.

Throughout the pandemic, many East Yorkshire colleagues have continued to work in the front line of service delivery and behind the scenes cleaning and maintaining our buses. They have been the unsung heroes throughout this time and we would ask that all customers continue to respect social distancing when boarding the buses which will continue to undergo additional cleaning of touch points throughout the day.

East Yorkshire are also reminding that all passengers can help keep everyone safe on the bus by following some simple, common-sense advice.

• Social distancing.

Board the bus one at a time, sit next to the window, and leave a row of seats between yourself and others.

• Avoid cash.

Pay by contactless or use an app ticket if you can.

• Face coverings.

Wear a face covering on the bus, if you can.

• Essential travel only.

If you don’t have to travel, please leave buses clear for key workers that do. Avoid travelling at peak times if you can.