Bus firm increases seating capacity

By Jessica Durston - 19 July 2021

CommunityTravel

Swindon's Bus Company has removed seating restrictions.

This move follows the Government's decision to release England from lockdown restrictions. 

The bus company's Managing Director Andrew Wickham said“Like the rest of the country, our team has endured an incredibly tough period, since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

"From the very beginning, we have provided essential bus services for key workers across the region - ensuring NHS and emergency workers, shop staff, carers and many others could travel and carry out their vital roles. 

"Now it is time to cautiously embrace our new-found freedom, and travel by bus for leisure, as well as for work. As before, we are ensuring buses are one of the safest places to be - with stringent cleaning measures, including the use of anti-viral wipes on all touch points."

Swindon’s Bus Company recently introduced a special fare, designed to encourage those wishing to spend evenings socialising in the town to travel by bus. Passengers can travel anywhere in Swindon’s Bus Company on any day after 7pm for £1 until Sunday 5 September. 

Mr Wickham added: "With the one metre plus rule no longer in place, we have opened up all seats on our buses, except for those immediately behind the driver - so that we can operate at almost full capacity once more. 

"The government has announced that wearing a face covering on public transport is no longer mandatory, and has given individuals the choice.

“We understand that this is a decision for each individual to make, but we urge our customers to consider others when travelling with us, and we strongly advise that they wear a face covering. With almost all on board seating available from Monday 19 July, for most journeys, there will be plenty of space for customers to keep their distance from others."

Turning to congestion, Mr Wickham added: 

“One of the rare positive impacts of covid is that it contributed to reduced congestion across the town - so it would be wonderful if we could all use this opportunity to leave cars at home and use sustainable transport instead. 

“This could make a real impact in helping to improve the air quality in-and-around Swindon - whilst providing a boost for the local hospitality industry. 

“Whatever their reason to travel with us, our customers can expect safe, clean, buses, ready-and-waiting to transport them wherever they want to go."

Mr Wickham thanked the bus company's staff saying: "I’d like to pay tribute to our entire team. As key workers, they have worked tirelessly to keep Swindon moving throughout the pandemic. Now we’re all looking forward to brighter times ahead.” 

More information about Swindon’s Bus Company can be found at swindonbus.co.uk

Your Comments

Be the first to comment on this article

Login or Register to post a comment on this article

Subscribe to The Link

Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027, Positive Media Group, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ