Politicians and planners salute bus firm’s teams across the North for keeping vital transport on the road during the pandemic
Put your best face on – that’s the plea from MPs and transport leaders across the North as the region’s leading bus operator Transdev reminds customers that wearing a face covering on board is now compulsory.
Four local MPs representing Harrogate, Burnley, Rossendale and Darwen, and Blackburn, plus Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Transport, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, are all supporting Transdev’s campaign to make it easier for everyone who can wear a face covering to do so, in line with legal requirements.
All five are also praising the bus firm’s teams on the road and behind the scenes for their efforts in keeping services running smoothly throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
Transdev has already raised over £2,400 for NHS Charities Together by selling its designer “All The Colours of Transdev” reusable face coverings – with more to come.
Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “It’s now mandatory to wear a face covering both on-board the bus and in bus stations. Face coverings provide an extra layer to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling in the air and onto other people, and are a vitally important part of the “Hands, Space, Face” actions that we can all take to slow the spread of the virus.
“I fully support Transdev’s imaginative campaign to raise awareness and make it as easy as possible for everyone who can to wear a face covering every time they travel.”
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones (main picture) said: “The company’s drivers, engineering and support teams are doing an excellent job, sometimes in challenging circumstances, to keep our communities moving. They all deserve our thanks – and our support to help keep everyone safe.”
Transdev’s campaign is also being supported by Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, and Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham.
Transdev CEO Alex Hornby said: “We work hard every day to make sure our buses continue to be safe and welcoming places where people want to be seen. The same unique and style-conscious approach we’re famous for went into the design of our ‘All The Colours of Transdev’ face coverings.
“Our customers tell us they really like the design of our unique face coverings, which is based on the colours of our bus companies right across the North – and that they can be washed and used again and again, which protects our environment. They also support our message to all those who can to wear a face covering every time they travel with us.
“Several international studies have shown that the risk of coronavirus on public transport has remained low throughout the pandemic, thanks to the extensive measures we have in place to make sure we continue to be Clean, Safe and Ready to Go.
“We have enhanced deep cleaning regimes in place, using virucidal mist which is proven to be highly effective each night inside every bus, with additional cleaning of touch points throughout the day. Each bus has a hand sanitiser dispenser, with more services to make sure everyone can space out – while our customers can use our website or Transdev Go mobile app to check how much room there is on the bus before travelling.”
Other than those who are legally exempt, including children under 11 and those with breathing issues or disabilities, face coverings must be worn on all buses and in bus stations.
Transdev’s colourful face coverings are available to buy online via its pop-up online shop at: https://shop.transdevbus.co.uk for just £4.50 each or £15 for a bundle of five, including postage and packing. All proceeds go to NHS Charities Together, who support NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients nationwide
Complete information on all services run by Transdev across the North of England, including videos showing the bus firm’s safety measures in place, are available online at: https://www.transdevbus.co.uk
