Bus and rail use falls in pandemic
THE IMPACT of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown will likely have major changes on public transport in West Yorkshire, a new report reveals.
It says passenger numbers and income for bus and rail services have plummeted and there will be a huge strain on the services even after lockdown is lifted.
The assessment is made in a report due before West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee on Friday. It notes bus patronage is just 15 per cent of normal levels and reduced income meant bus providers were being supported by the Government.
Drivers were being provided with personal protective equipment and passengers were being encouraged to use car payment rather than cash, it says.
The report warns: “The sudden loss of fare revenue and the anticipated slow rate of recovery has had a profound effect on the bus sector.” One bus provider, Halifax-based TJ Walsh, has already gone bust.
The report discusses how services may operate as the nation emerges from lockdown, warning that social distancing measures would mean buses could only operate at 20 per cent occupancy levels.
The report adds: “It will also present difficulties in managing bus stations, interchanges and busy bus stops.
“People may be reluctant to use public transport due to the proximity with other travellers.
A high level of confidence in social distancing and hygiene provisions will need to be fostered. As lockdown and social distancing measures are removed patronage will return but this could be slow to build up, carrying many risks.”
Moving on to the rail industry, the report reveals that usage has plummeted by 95 per cent. It says lines that are usually very busy, such as the service between Skipton and Leeds, are now operating with “single figure” numbers of passengers at times.
The report reveals current pressures mean that drivers have not been able to train to operate new style trains and there may be delays to the planned roll-out.
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