03.04.20
Close to £400m to keep buses operational during crisis
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps has announced almost £400m in funding to keep buses in England operational during the coronavirus crisis.
Key workers across the country who rely on public transport to get to work will benefit from a funding boost of £397m announced today (Apr 3).
The package, in partnership with the bus industry, will maintain key routes and enable frontline workers and those unable to work from home to continue their daily work.
The new Covid-19 Bus Services Support Grant, will deliver new funding of up to £167m over the next 12 weeks, providing operators maintain necessary services to meet demand.
Whilst ensuring everyone who needs to is able to get to work, buses operators must be mindful to allow for adequate social distancing between passengers on board, this is expected to be up to 50% of normal service levels.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“We have been very clear during the outbreak that the best way to stop the spread of the virus and protect the NHS, is to stay at home if possible.
“Our buses are a lifeline for people who need to travel for work or to buy food – including our emergency services and NHS staff – and it’s absolutely vital we do all we can to keep the sector running.
“This multi-million-pound investment will protect crucial local transport links across England, bolstering the sector and minimising disruption for passengers in the long term.”
Disruptions to normal services and amended timetables must also be communicated to passengers as part of the new agreement.
The remaining £200m of existing funding under the Bus Services Operators Grant, will still be paid as normal despite the significant reduction in services.
Previously agreed funding of up to £30m to start new services, will now be redirected to local authorities to help them maintain existing services.