Burnley bus operator pleads with passengers to wear face mask

The bus firm is continuing to run over eight out of 10 journeys, seven days a week across its network to ensure essential journeys can still be made, and to provide travel for key workers when and where they need it.

As the current restrictions look set to continue for some time, the bus operator is now reminding everyone that travel is for essential reasons only – and that unless exempt in line with Government guidance, properly wearing a face covering is the best way to keep bus drivers and other customers safe.

The Burnley Bus Company chief executive Alex Hornby said: “We are very grateful to the overwhelming majority of our customers who continue to follow the Government guidance on travel to the letter – and at the same time, we need to ask for everyone’s help to keep all our drivers and customers safe on every journey.

“When using our buses, and when inside enclosed bus stations, such as Burnley Bus Station, you should wear a mask or visor unless you have a medical exemption, in line with Government guidance. Please make sure your face covering is worn for your entire journey, and that it covers your nose and mouth to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

“Our drivers are able to challenge customers who aren’t wearing a face covering without a valid exemption and can instruct them to leave the bus. If necessary, we will also support the police in using enforcement powers, which can include fines of £200 for a first offence – but we’d much rather encourage everyone to do the right thing.

“By following the guidance on every trip, we can all help to keep all our drivers and customers safe. Right now, our buses are among the safest places you can be when travelling, with extensive cleaning throughout the day and night, and plenty of room on board as we provide over 8 out of 10 journeys through the current lockdown.

“I know our customers will understand why we’re asking everyone to help us make sure every journey is safe and comfortable by following the guidance. Our thanks go to all who continue to support us in this way.”

Meanwhile the bus firm is reminding its customers to keep windows open when travelling, to boost ventilation and help keep everyone safe on board. As wintry weather continues, it’s advising everyone to ensure they wear warm clothing while travelling to ensure this essential safety measure can continue.

Cashless payment options are a further way to help stop the spread of the virus and help protect customers and staff. Examples include using contactless cards, Google Pay or Apple Pay to buy a ticket from the driver – or using the free to download Transdev Go app to buy before boarding from a wider range of money-saving day, weekly and longer-term tickets. The app can also be used to check how much space there is on any service run by The Burnley Bus Company before boarding.