Double decker buses across Calderdale only allowing 19 passengers at one time

Major bus and train firms have increased services this week with strict restrictions still in place.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

New guidance to limit the spread of coronavirus would see public transport placing limits on passengers, with fewer than 19 people being allowed on a double decker bus at a time.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport committee concerns were raised that this could lead to bus drivers having to refuse to pick up passengers, even key workers, because they are already above social distancing capacity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dave Pearson, Director of Transport Services, said: “We expect a steady build up of people using public transport as employees start going back to work.”

Double decker buses will be limit to 19 peopleDouble decker buses will be limit to 19 people
Double decker buses will be limit to 19 people

From Monday the number of services provided by Northern Rail increased from 45 percent of normal services to 63 percent.”

This week, bus firms Arriva and First confirmed they are working to increase operating services as government eased lockdown restrictions.

“We expect buses to get busier, for trains to get busier, and that creates challenges and real risks that people could be left at bus stops or at rail stations," said Mr Pearson.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Paul Matthews, from First Bus, said maximum capacity on buses with social distancing measures, being introduced next week, would see double deckers able to carry just 19 passengers.

He said: “That really does run the risk of buses going past critical workers going to where they need to go.

“As more and more people travel, that will become more and more difficult.

“I think we are in for a painful couple of weeks until the service is restored to some sort of normality.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But even then it will pose challenges when we need to put more and more vehicles on high frequency corridors to make sure we can pick up people who have been left behind.

“Although we will receive criticism I’d ask you to bear with us, we’re trying to do the best we can in very difficult situations.”

Pete Myers from Northern Rail said the capacity of their trains would be considerably reduced, and it would be difficult for staff to “police” social distancing.

An Arriva spokesperson said: "We're working hand in hand with the DFT to plan for increased demand for bus travel, as the lock down restrictions ease.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our key priority remains the safety of our customers and our colleagues and we are working to ensure our plans support the needs of our customers and our local communities, safely.

"We're being guided every step of the way by expert organisations such as the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.

"We support social distancing both within our depots as well as on-board and we will look to reinforce social distancing measures in line with government guidance and the industry body CPT, in the coming days."

Related topics: