Bus passengers urged to follow face cover rules

PLEA TO AVOID ‘AWKWARD’ SITUATIONS WITH DRIVERS

BUS companies have asked passengers to stick to new rules on wearing face coverings, to avoid “potentially awkward” confrontations with drivers.

Operators in the city are getting ready for Monday when face coverings become mandatory on public transport.

They are issuing drivers with guidance about the rules.

But bus firms have warned there may be confrontations between drivers and members of the public who try to travel without covering their face.

Ady Culpin, of First Leicester, said: “From the guidance we have had from the government – and we are still waiting for more of it – bus drivers won’t be expected to police the face covering rule, but they will be the only staff member on the vehicle.

“If a passenger gets on and isn’t wearing a mask what happens then?

“It’s tricky and potentially awkward for our staff.

“There are also going to be exemptions, for example for people with breathing difficulties, but how is a driver going to know to know that kind of detail?

“What I would say is that during the whole of lockdown we have been pushing the message of individual social responsibility to passengers for their own benefit, for other passengers and our staff.

“Most people have been good in that respect.

“We are asking that they please continue to follow the rules and do wear coverings to travel so we can avoid any situations developing.”

Jeff Counsell, managing director at Kinchbus, said: “Our buses are already Covid-19-secure spaces thanks to our enhanced cleaning and sanitising regime for every bus overnight and during each day.

“While our buses are already safe and clean environments, every customer wearing a face covering while on board will also be playing his or her part in further protecting their fellow passengers and themselves.

“Our drivers and the whole Kinchbus team are already grateful to our customers for their support and how they have been sticking to the guidance on social distancing, paying contactless and using the on board sanitising stations.

“Our drivers all have access to PPE and have their temperature checked at the start of each shift.

“Each vehicle is sprayed with a powerful disinfectant mist every night and receives additional cleaning during each day.

“We continue to add more buses into the system, especially at peak times, so customers can more easily maintain distancing.

“Now that face coverings are becoming a requirement, we have no doubt our customers will continue to be our partners in our joint effort to make everyone feel comfortable and confident about travelling.

“We’re here for when they need us.”

A spokesman for Arriva said: “Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, our priority has always been ensuring the safety of our customers and our staff.

“Safety is an ongoing priority for Arriva and we work closely with the Department for Transport.

“We will continue to do so to under the scheme announced regarding mandatory wearing of face masks when travelling on public transport.”