Public transport, especially the bus, has become even more important to the country to ensure that vital public services continue in the face of COVID-19.

The bus and coach operator that serves Peterborough has also outlined additional steps being taken to provide extra support for key sector workers. This includes dedicated shuttles and demand responsive transport for healthcare workers as well as measures to support local communities, the supply chain and distribution networks.

Across the country, Stagecoach has been revising its timetables to cater for the reduced demand in travel following the government’s advice to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.

In Peterborough, the bus services affected are:

  • 1:

    Monday to Sunday buses will run every 30 minutes from the first bus to around 5pm, then will become hourly.
  • 2 and 3:

    Monday to Friday buses will run every 30 minutes from the first bus to around 5pm, then will become hourly. Saturday and Sunday buses will run hourly.
  • 4:

    Monday to Friday buses will run every 30 minutes until 9am, then will become hourly. Saturday and Sunday buses will run hourly.
  • 6:

    Monday to Sunday buses will run hourly.

All other bus services are unchanged, other than finishing earlier in the evenings, with all routes stopping at 10pm.

Discussions are ongoing with local authorities across the country on how Stagecoach buses not being used in public service might be able to provide extra support with food deliveries and other essential public services.

Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach chief executive, said: "Key workers across Britain are working incredibly hard as part of the national effort to beat the coronavirus. I’m extremely proud of all the great work that our own teams are doing to keep the country moving, including getting our vital healthcare workers to hospitals.

"Our own heroes behind the wheel and their colleagues in support roles are really putting their country and their local communities first. We know from the feedback we've received from many customers across the country how much their selfless efforts are appreciated and we are doing everything we can to keep our people and our customers safe.

"We are also trying to play our part through special initiatives in partnership with local authorities and the NHS to support key workers, the supply chain, distribution networks and other vital services.

“It’s important that we all follow the government and public health advice to tackle the epidemic and pull together to support each other at this time.”

Stagecoach is strictly following government and public health guidelines, including those from the World Health Organisation, to keep its employees and customers safe. A number of extra measures have been put in place including:

  • Asking passengers to pay by contactless wherever possible, or have the correct change for their journey if they can. Alternatively payments can be made online or via the App.
  • Supplied thousands of bottles of personal hand sanitiser to employees with larger refill bottles at depots.
  • Ensured that nearly all buses are fitted with security screens which have been adapted to provide a barrier to help prevent transmission of the virus.
  • Launched an enhanced cleaning regime of buses and workplaces, which is being strictly adhered to and includes extensive cleaning of the key touch-points such as the ticket machines, hand poles, and cash tray.
  • Carried out extensive customer communications asking people only to travel if necessary, and to practice social distancing by using a single row per person if possible, avoiding the two rows directly behind the driver and keeping a safe distance between the driver and other passengers.