Stagecoach is helping the fight against coronavirus by keeping a bus service running over Easter weekend for key workers and essential travel.
And bus drivers are keeping spirits high by running special messages on the destination screens on their vehicles, such as: ‘Thank you to all our key workers.’ They are also taking part in the Clap for Carers tributes on Thursday nights where they can.
Buses will run on Good Friday, April 10, and Easter Monday, April 13, on a Sunday service as per Stagecoach’s new temporary timetables.
Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire has reduced bus services following government restrictions over coronavirus. But it is still maintaining a slimmed down timetable to help those including key workers who must travel.
Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach in Cumbria, said the new timetables have been designed partly in response to feedback from local people working in frontline services.
He said: “Buses play a vital role in providing the lifeline routes needed for key workers.
“We want to make sure that our timetables are meeting the needs of our fantastic NHS workers and all the other key workers who are working hard to fight the virus.
“I’m extremely proud of the way in which our team in Cumbria and North Lancashire is pulling together to ensure that we can continue to deliver our services.
“They are key workers too and I would like to thank them for their continued support and resilience in these challenging times.”
Contactless payments are being encouraged and social distancing guidelines are displayed on buses. Free concessionary travel passes are being accepted before 9.30am so elderly people can access supermarkets. Buses are being regularly cleaned to help reduce any risk from the virus.
The new reduced timetables are in place until further notice. Find out more at www.stagecoachbus.com/coronavirus.
