Stagecoach East Midlands passengers have so far helped raise £8,500 for the NHS COVID-19 Appeal.
As part of the operator’s commitment to keeping its customers and drivers safe, it introduced an Exact Fare Policy to reduce the handling of cash.
If passengers were unable to pay via contactless or the Stagecoach app, cash was still accepted but no left over change was given if an exact fare wasn’t tendered.
All of the surplus money was allocated to the NHS COVID-19 Appeal.
Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director Matt Cranwell said: “At the height of the pandemic we took action to reduce the chance of spreading the virus by reducing payments to cashless or exact fare only to ensure the safety of both our passengers and staff.
“We informed those travelling with us of the new policy and told them their spare change would support the NHS COVID-19 Appeal and the initiative was warmly received.
“That has meant we have so far been able to donate £8,500 to the NHS COVID-19 Appeal and help support those who have helped us all during the crisis.”
The money raised is funding grants to help NHS charities support NHS staff, volunteers and patients in ways above and beyond what NHS funding can ordinarily provide, from meeting immediate and urgent needs to supporting the long term recovery from the impact of the crisis.
Matt continued: “As the government takes steps to start getting the country back on its feet, public transport continues to play a vital role in safely getting people to work and for other essential journeys, and in supporting the country’s long term recovery.
“This has been a tough time for everyone but I would like to thank my staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this testing period and our passengers for their patience and loyalty.”
