WEEKDAY BUS SERVICES TO INCREASE TO SUPPORT RETURN TO WORK

•Carousel Buses increasing some services from Monday 1^st June to support return to work

•Evening and Saturday services will remain at a reduced level

•Enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing guidance measures in place

Carousel Buses will ramp up services next week, in response to the latest government COVID-19 recommendations.

It will introduce changes to start to increase the number of journeys during daytime hours on Mondays to Fridays from Monday 1^st June. Customers are advised to check the Carousel Buses website for full details of new timetables.

The increase in services is in line with the government’s recovery strategy to cope with growing demand for travel as more people return to work following the Coronavirus pandemic. It comes after a huge reduction in bus services during full lockdown, with special services designed to ensure that essential key workers such as NHS staff, teachers and those in the food supply chain could get to and from work.

Carousel Buses have implemented reduced vehicle capacities to help maintain social distancing on-board for people who need to travel. This includes taking some seats out of use and customer signage to encourage people to sit apart. Customers are still asked to pay using contactless payments or purchase tickets from the apps available.

Enhanced cleaning regimes are also being maintained on all vehicles. The regimes are carefully monitored, with a continued greater focus on high-touch areas. Extra PPE and cleaning equipment have also been provided to colleagues to ensure drivers and customers stay safe during this time.

Phil Southall, Managing Director of Carousel Buses said: “We’ve introduced a number of measures to give people the confidence to return to work and to travel on our buses. We’re increasing our services to respond to the expected increases in demand as lockdown is gradually eased, and to ensure our customers can remain two metres apart wherever possible. I’d like to thank my colleagues for consistently doing a first-class job in difficult circumstances and our customers for their continued patience and understanding.”