Coronavirus: Buses see a drop in number of passengers

The number of people travelling by bus is falling as people heed coronavirus advice, which encourages them to stay at home.

But the services are needed for commuters and shoppers, a Traffic & Highways Services spokesperson said.

‘In accordance with the latest advice from Public Health for anyone with flu-like symptoms to self-isolate for the duration of those symptoms and for another 48 hours. CT Plus, like many other employers, may have to re-evaluate service provision in the event that they do not have enough drivers to provide a full service,’ they said.

‘However, for the time being, services remain as per the published timetable.’

CT Plus says its existing cleaning programme meant buses were cleaned regularly.

‘However, additional cleaning of the high touch-point areas, such as seats and grab rails, is now being carried out several times a day to ensure the highest possible standard of hygiene,’ the spokesman said.

‘Whilst most of the additional cleaning is being undertaken at the bus depot, passengers may also see some buses being cleaned at the Town terminus before passengers can board or whilst vehicles are parked in the bus holding bay.’

A Traffic & Highways Services spokesperson said the year had started really well, with numbers for January and February rising by 5.3% and 2.2% respectively, when compared to 2019.

‘This is a developing situation and the impact on services will depend on what occurs in the coming weeks and the advice given by Public Health,’ the spokesperson said.

‘So far this month, passenger numbers are down 7.6% compared to the same period in March 2019. This was anticipated given recent Public Health advice on social distancing, on events management and in respect of people over the age of 65 or those with underlying health conditions.’