Stagecoach to introduce reduction to timetables

Sunday service to operate for the majority of routes in temporary measure

Temporary changes to bus services in Tayside and Fife are being brought in by Stagecoach from Monday.

The company said the changes are in response to the new government advice around social contact and non-essential travel.

The reduced timetable will operate across the region “until further notice”.

Stagecoach said the timetables have been “carefully created to ensure that critical routes are maintained wherever possible”.

It follows extensive action by bus operators to enhance cleaning regimes and protect the safety and wellbeing of customers and bus workers.

Separately, the bus and coach industry is also engaging with the government to help ensure the long-term future of bus services, which are critical to the economy and local communities, is protected.

Stagecoach East Scotland managing director Douglas Robertson said: “Along with other bus operators and key sectors, we are working hard to support the national effort to tackle the current challenging situation.

“The safety of our customers and our employees is at the heart of everything we do.

“We also know that our bus services play a vital role in keeping the country running and ensuring key sector personnel get to work.

“Following the latest government advice, we have reviewed our timetables and made temporary changes which reflect the reduced level of travel.

“Our objective has been to focus resources on where we know they are needed most at this time.

“We are working hard to best maintain essential services, safeguard jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of a sector which is central to our economy and communities.

“We will continue to monitor the position, liaise closely with government

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We have reviewed our timetables and made temporary changes which reflect the reduced level of travel. DOUGLAS ROBERTSON

and other authorities, and respond as appropriate to what is a dynamic situation.”

A Sunday service will operate for the majority of routes.

Services being cut include the 42 which serves Dundee and Angus.

In Fife the 7A, 20/20A, 30, 31, 85, 86, 92, 108 and 747 will also be scrapped.

Since the impact of the coronavirus in the UK, Stagecoach said it has implemented additional hygiene measures to protect passengers, frontline bus workers and office staff.

In addition to well-established and rigorous cleaning regimes, there has been more frequent cleaning of main customer touch-points on buses, such as hand poles and grab rails.

As well as timetable changes, travel shop opening hours are also being amended and customer services phone lines will be closed.

Full timetable changes are available on the Stagecoach website.