Bus operators bullish about long term future as capacity increases
Bus operators fear ongoing “fragility” despite an impending easing of distancing rules on board, but are optimistic of a rosy future long-term.
Many firms are expected to halve passenger distancing from 2 metres to 1m from Monday, following the lead of Calmac and the Glasgow Subway yesterday.
It follows First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing on Thursday an easing of the restrictions introduced to help stem spread of Covid-19.
Ralph Roberts, managing director of Greenock-based bus operator Mcgill’s, said the move to 1m distancing would increase the average capacity of its buses from 25 to 35 per cent, and to 50 per cent in some vehicles.
The firm will introduce the change on Monday, along with others such as First, which is the main operator in Glasgow and Aberdeen. This will enable bus-tracking apps, showing how full buses are, to be updated.
Lothian, Edinburgh’s principal operator, was unable to provide information about its plans.
Mr Roberts said: “We expect to return to full services from 3 August, but with reduced capacity it’s going to be a difficult period. There will be a bit of fragility as long as distancing is in play.
“But as soon as that is removed, I have absolutely no doubt footfall will increase.”
Stagecoach, which has yet to announce when it will move to 1m distancing, was also bullish about the future of buses.
A spokesperson said: “The long-term prospects are good.
“The Scottish Government cannot meet its net zero carbon reduction targets without significant change in transport. They can’t be achieved just with electric cars.”
First Glasgow managing director Andrew Jarvis said 1m distancing would double its bus capacity to 50 per cent.
He said: “There is no commercial operation possible with 25 per cent capacity.
“The 1m distance and the resulting improvement in capacity will help, but demand has to return to fill those additional seats.”