Coronavirus: Trains and buses will keep running in Northamptonshire

Trains and buses are running normally in Northamptonshire but operators are stepping up cleaning to make sure it is safe for passengers to continue travelling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nine cases have now been confirmed in the county among nearly 1,400 nationwide and the Government is poised to ban mass gatherings of more than 500 people to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Public transport operators are sticking to the current advice and keeping road and rail services running as normal.

TRAINS: Extra cleaning is under way in busy locations at stations such as ticket machine touch screens.

BUSES: Hand poles and grab rails are getting enhanced cleaning.

COACHES: National Express say they are maintaining high levels of hygiene for both drivers and customers,

London Northwestern customer experience director, Lawrence Bowman, said: “Although the latest Government advice indicates there is no greater risk of infection of public transport than other public spaces, the entire rail industry is working together to help tackle the spread of coronavirus.

“Like all operators, we have stepped up our cleaning regimes and we are doing more to ensure our trains and stations are clean. This includes a greater focus on cleaning high-touch areas in trains and at stations, increasing the use of anti-viral cleaning products and ensuring toilets are well stocked with soap and water."

A spokesman for East Midlands Railway, which serves Wellingborough, Kettering and Corby, added: "Following the latest Government update, we would like to reassure our passengers that we are committed to playing our part in keeping them safe and well and to getting them to their destinations on time."

Stagecoach, the county's biggest bus operator, runs routes throughout the county.

A company statement said: "We know there are lots of concerns and uncertainty at this time but our first priority is to protect the safety of our customers and our people.

"You only need to stay away from public places if advised to by the NHS 111 coronavirus service or a medical professional.

"We already have well-established and rigorous cleaning regimes for our buses and we are continuing to enhance measures with more regular cleaning of the main customer touch-points such as hand poles and grab rails."

Long-distance coach operator National Express warned it may need cancel services as the pandemic gets worse but will allow passengers to rebook journeys for free.

A spokesman said: "We are currently operating our services as normal, however as the situation develops we may need to implement short notice changes and cancellations. If you no longer wish to travel as planned we will honour a change to your booking, free of charge, regardless of the ticket terms and conditions."