Bus journey cut short by COVID fears
Perthshire bus passengers had their journey cut unexpectedly short when the driver discovered he may have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
The number 34 Stagecoach service from Stanley to Perth came to an abrupt termination mid-route last Thursday (August 20).
Stagecoach told the PA its passengers and employees’safety is their “top priority.”
The bus driver, who was wearing a mask, stopped the Stagecoach doubledecker saying he thought he had been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
One passenger from Luncarty had only just got on the bus when he had to get off at the next bus stop.
The passenger said the bus was already 20 minutes late and he was delayed reaching work.
He said:“We were stopped for about five minutes at the stop. I was upstairs.
“We heard something happening at the door, went downstairs and everyone was off the bus - including the driver.
“We asked what was wrong then he told us that he thinks he had been in contact with someone with COVID-19.”
The bus driver then drove off and passengers were able to get on to the next bus five minutes later.
A spokesperson for
Stagecoach revealed the information had only come to light mid-journey and the company’s strict protocols mean anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 has to isolate.
A Stagecoach East Scotland spokesperson said:“The safety of our passengers and employees is our top priority and we have strict protocols in place around the management of COVID-19.
“This includes isolation of individuals who have the potential to have been exposed to coronavirus and thorough cleaning of buses with government standard disinfectant in line with public health advice.
“We can confirm that these protocols were followed as a result of the receipt of new information during the journey involving one of our buses from Stanley to Perth on 20 August.
“We would like to apologise to customers who were inconvenienced as a result of the termination of this service. We will continue to follow government and health organisation rules and guidance in place to manage the virus.”