Transport Companies have begun announcing cuts in their services as they see demand sharply dropping,
Temporary changes to bus services in Greater Manchester are being introduced by Stagecoach from Monday 23 March following new government advice around social contact and non-essential travel to help combat the coronavirus.
A reduced timetable will operate across the region until further notice. 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.
Northern Railways have cut back on a number of services across the region from today including services between Manchester and Leeds and Manchester Victoria and Kirby and the service from Piccadilly to Hadfield will become hourly.
Yesterday Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham said that it was likely that tram services would be changed to twelve minute intervals but that double trams would be used on many routes to assist with social distancing.
The UK’s largest operator of scheduled coach services, National Express has said it will reduce its capacity by 80%.
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.
Elisabeth Tasker, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester 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.”
Well done stagecoach on the early morning travel for senior citizens, powers to detain people with the virus ,. How will they know who has it.