Northamptonshire buses switch to emergency timetable to keep routes running for key workers

Northamptonshire bus operator Stagecoach will introduce emergency timetables cutting back the number of vehicles running on its routes from Monday (March 30).

Some parts of the network are already reporting difficulty maintaining the current service with delays in Kettering today due to staff shortages.

Train services through the county have already been cut by half from today in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

And now the bus companies will follow suit, reducing frequencies county-wide, in a bid to protect staff and passengers while keeping vehicles on the road for key workers during the crisis.

Stagecoach Midlands managing director Mark Whitelocks 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.”

Stagecoach beefed up its cleaning regimes following the coronavirus outbreak focusing on main customer touch-points on buses, such as hand poles and grab rails.

Separately, the bus and coach industry is also begging the Government to help companies stay afloat during the crisis.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced this morning (Monday March 23) that the Government will take over financial responsibility for running the Bratain's railways from train operating companies which are in danger of going bust following a 70 per cent slump in ticket sales.