April 08 2020
“Bus operators across the country are providing an essential service at a time of national emergency. This couldn’t be done without the thousands of drivers and other staff doing an incredible job to keep routes running and keeping them and passengers safe is our top priority.
“In addition to the enhanced cleaning regime that is already in place and promoting good personal hygiene practices a range of other measures have been implemented focusing on driver safety. These include distributing hand sanitiser, reintroducing screens between drivers and passengers, encouraging payment by contactless or mobile ticketing over cash, making seats in close proximity to drivers unavailable for passengers and designing timetables with local authorities to provide capacity to allow the recommended social distancing to be possible.
“As well as pursuing clear guidance from the Government operators are commissioning a thorough assessment of all the risks facing drivers working in the industry. This will be independently assessed and further action taken urgently where it is identified as being necessary.”