Northampton's bus operator appeals for common sense after video of scrum at Drapery stop

Northamptonshire's main bus operator issued a plea for passengers not to overcrowd its services following the Prime Minister's 'return to work if you need to' message.

Videos of a scrum trying to board early-morning services in Northampton town centre were posted on social media this week attracting a storm of criticism.

One exasperated viewer posted the message: "No words!!!! Can’t fix stupid!"

Stagecoach insist they are doing everything they can to make journeys safe for those who have no alternative but to travel by bus but admitted: “The vast majority of passengers continue to follow the government rules, and we thank them for their co-operation. It is disappointing that there are a minority of instances where this is not the case."

One video showed people battling to board a bus to Swan Valley in the Drapery even though two more were due to run in the following few minutes. None appeared to be following Government advice by wearing masks.

Stagecoach cut services in March following the Covid-19 lockdown but kept buses running to allow NHS staff and essential workers to travel to work despite an 85 per cent slump in revenue.

Bosses tweaked emergency timetables in response to pleas from those who still needed to travel and is adding duplicate services -- two buses running on the same route at the same time — where it can despite battling its own issues with staff ill and self-isolating.

And the company is now in talks with the Government over how services can be stepped up following Boris Johnson's address on Sunday where he said those who cannot work from home should go back their work place.

Mr Johnson also asked people to walk, drive or cycle to work if they can .. but stopped short of telling those returning to work not to use public transport.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “For many weeks, the government and public health authorities have stressed that people should only travel if necessary and that they should observe social distancing, including on public transport. We have also reinforced this message clearly and extensively for our customers.

“To help key workers and those who have essential travel needs, we have introduced additional capacity on key bus routes and we continue to monitor the numbers of passengers travelling and review this where needed.

"However, the latest government advice is that people should walk or cycle to work if they can to relieve the pressure on public transport across the country.

“The vast majority of passengers continue to follow the government rules, and we thank them for their co-operation. It is disappointing that there are a minority of instances where this is not the case.

"The bus industry is continuing to work with government and local authorities on plans to ensure that buses continue to play a vital role in keeping people moving safely."