Temporary bus service reduction announced - but concession travel allowed before 9.30am

A reduced timetable will operate from Monday across the region until further notice - but concession travel is being allowed before 9.30am from now to help ensure the elderly and vulnerable can access the exclusive opening times offered by some supermarkets and banks.

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 well-being of customers and bus workers.

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

Matt Cranwell, MD Stagecoach East Midlands 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 and other authorities, and respond as appropriate to what is a dynamic situation.”

A 7am-7pm service will operate Monday to Saturday across the East Midlands region, with a few extended services being maintained in some areas to help support critical activity. Timetable details will be live on the website from Monday.

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

Stagecoach East Midland Travel shop opening hours are currently remaining the same.

Customers can stay up to date with all the latest news from Stagecoach on Twitter @StagecoachEmid or by signing up to their email mailing list.

Full details are available at stagecoachbus.com.