Almost all routes back to normal, says bus firm

KINCHBUS says it has made its most significant return to precoronavirus levels of bus services, with almost all routes back to normal.

The bus operator was geared up for the reopening of schools and colleges plus providing services for more people returning to work and beginning to socialise, including for eating out.

A spokesperson recently said customer numbers were already nearly 50 per cent of pre-Covid levels and Kinchbus has brought back frontline staff, including drivers, from furlough to be there for when more people want to travel.

Jeff Counsell, managing director at Kinchbus, said: “We have the capacity to provide Covidsecure journeys for the expected increase in customers.

“We’ve already seen many customers travel with us to enjoy the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. We know that as more people travel with us, they are reassured by the measures we’re taking and more confident to travel more.”

Kinchbus 5 has been be back to its normal Monday to Saturday timetable since August 24, joining Kinchbus 2 which was already back to its pre-coronavirus service.

Kinchbus 11 and 12 is back with a full timetable, including Sunday services for Kinchbus 12. And the return of sprint means every Kinchbus route is now operating again, with around 90 per cent of pre-lockdown services running.

Kinchbus says it has been phasing the return to pre-coronavirus levels of services, to be there when increasing numbers of customers need to get around. Jeff added: “We’re playing our part in getting the local economy back up to speed and want customers to join the growing numbers who have been returning to our buses.

“Our drivers have been overwhelmed by the positivity expressed by customers about their experience of travelling with trentbarton again. They have been reassured by the Covid-secure measures we have in place.

“Being ready for our college students and school pupils was a major aim. The enhanced levels of service also mean parents can return to work safely.

“And Sunday travel is so important for the leisure venues and hospitality businesses which are now open to entertain people.”

Timetables at: kinchbus.co.uk