Bath Bus Company has implemented new social distancing measures on its A4 Air Decker service in preparation for a rise in passenger numbers as lockdown restrictions ease and people return to work.
The new measures which have been place from the 1 June include signs on seats to help advise passengers on where to sit, requests for passengers to wear face coverings where possible and signs to remind people to be mindful of the 2 metre social distancing rule. All signage has been produced in-house by the operator.
In addition to internal signage, screens to help protect drivers have been installed on all cabs, and the new reduced maximum capacity is displayed on the outside of the vehicles so that people are aware as the bus approaches. Should the bus reach its capacity and be unable to stop, destination messages have been created showing ‘Sorry Bus Full’ and vehicles are deep cleaned regularly, with drivers having access to disposable gloves, face masks and hand sanitiser.
Martin Curtis, MD at Bath Bus Company said: “Now that we are seeing a gradual rise in passenger numbers as the lockdown eases, we are monitoring our loadings closely. An extra Air Decker is in operation on journeys throughout the peak period, running alongside the registered service, to ensure passengers can reach their destination safely and cope with additional demand. We hope that these measures will instil confidence in the public to use public transport. We are working closely with local authorities to make sure demand is met”.
It is anticipated that the A4 will resume its normal service frequency in mid June as other sectors return to work.
