East Yorkshire bus drivers to swap uniforms for colourful clothes to show support to fellow key workers

DRIVERS at local bus company East Yorkshire will be swapping their usual uniforms for bright and colourful clothing over the Easter weekend in support of fellow key workers they continue to transport during the coronavirus pandemic.

Hundreds of key workers are relying on East Yorkshire to get to work on the bus, including those working for the NHS, the emergency services, teachers, retail staff and public services. Over the long weekend, passengers will hopefully be cheered up by the bright colours they see drivers wearing, a show of hope and togetherness during a worrying time.

Ben Gilligan, East Yorkshire’s Area Director, said: “The current situation we all face has brought people together and we wanted to show our appreciation to key workers who are doing crucial work during this time.

“We also wanted to publicly thank all the people who work for our business, including drivers, cleaners, supervisors and maintenance staff, all who are on the front-line ensuring people can continue moving.”

While bus use is around 90% lower than usual, and service levels have reduced, East Yorkshire are committed to running services on main routes for key workers and those making essential journeys. People making these journeys are advised to check the East Yorkshire website or mobile app to check timetables before travelling as these continue to change as the situation progresses.

East Yorkshire have implemented a range of safety measures to help keep bus drivers and passengers safe, and are asking people to follow safety advice when travelling. Passengers should pay by contactless card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or through the EY Buses mobile app, to help reduce contact with the driver. Cash is still accepted but only as a very last resort, and this should be placed on the cash tray rather than being handed to the driver, preferably with exact change.

Temporary protective screens are in place in the driving cab and some seats are out of use to encourage social distancing. Passengers should board one at a time, only approach the front of the bus when boarding and alighting, and sit two metres away from others when on the bus. All bus drivers have access to hand sanitiser, gloves and cleansing wipes, while buses are being cleaned at regular intervals throughout the day.

Ben Gilligan continued: “We’ve worked to implement these safety measures as quickly as possible and we ask our passengers to do their bit in helping reduce the risk to themselves, drivers and other passengers.

“We’d also like to remind people our bus services are operating for those making essential journeys only, and key workers should get in touch if their journey is missing.”

Passengers can find the latest updates on coronavirus and buses on the East Yorkshire website at www.eastyorkshirebuses.co.uk