Face coverings must be worn by customers on trentbarton services from Monday June 15, in line with the new rule announced by the Government.
The change makes mandatory what trentbarton had already been advising. Since the start of May it has recommended customers on buses wear a facemask, scarf, bandana or other covering over their mouth and nose to reduce the risk of infection.
Jeff Counsell, managing director at trentbarton, said: “Our buses are already COVID-secure spaces thanks to our enhanced cleaning and sanitising regime for every bus overnight and during each day.
“Whilst our buses are already safe and clean environments, every customer wearing a face covering whilst on board will also be playing his or her part in further protecting their fellow passengers and themselves.
“Our drivers and the whole trentbarton team are already grateful to our customers for their support and how they have been sticking to the guidance on social distancing, paying contactless and using the on board sanitising stations.
“Our drivers all have access to PPE and have their temperature checked at the start of each shift. Each vehicle is sprayed with a powerful disinfectant mist every night and receives additional cleaning during each day.
“We continue to add more buses into the system, especially at peak times, so customers can more easily maintain distancing.
“Now that face coverings are becoming a requirement, we have no doubt our customers will continue to be our partners in our joint effort to make everyone feel comfortable and confident about travelling. We’re here for when they need us.”
trentbarton resumed more services this week, with around 60 per cent of pre-lockdown buses now running. Some routes are back to pre-Covid frequency.
On its website at trentbarton.co.uk/coronavirus there is a series of questions and answers about how to travel and what trentbarton is doing to minimise the risks of infection.
The latest timetable information is also available on the website, as is a guide to making a mask: trentbarton.co.uk/userfiles/coronavirus/make_a_mask.pdf