How to travel safely on a bus

During the National lockdown you should only use public transport for essential journeys.

Bus capacity will be limited to enable social distancing. Please follow the advice below, and any additional guidance from operators, to protect passengers and drivers.

Before travelling

• Don't travel if you, or a member of your household or support bubble, have any coronavirus symptoms.

• Don't travel if you have been told to self-isolate by the NHS test and trace service.

• Consider cycling or walking as an alternative. Only use public transport if this is not possible.

• Time your journeys for quieter, off-peak times if possible.

• Allow longer for your journey as buses may reach capacity more quickly and you may need to wait for the next bus on busier routes.

• Buy tickets online in advance if possible.

At the bus stop

• Keep 2 metres apart from other waiting passengers at all times.

• Be aware that capacity on buses is limited for safety reasons. A bus may look quite empty, but have reached it's reduced capacity and not be able to pick up additional passengers. Some buses will drive past stops in this instance, others may stop to advise waiting passengers.

• Don't start to board the bus until any alighting passengers have moved away from the area.

On the bus

• Wearing a face covering is mandatory on all public transport, with a small number of exceptions for children and those with breathing difficulties and certain disabilities. Further information is available on the government website.

• Maintain 2 metre distancing where possible.
  
  
• Use contactless payment if possible. If you can only pay in cash use exact change only.

• Sit by a window on alternate rows of seats, or only on those seats indicated as available by the operator.

• Leave seats nearest to the driver empty.

• Don't queue in the aisle or next to the driver to alight.

• Don't eat or drink on board.

• Wash your hands, or use hand sanitiser, before and after travelling.

For information specific to your operator please visit their website. Links are on the plan your journey page.

For further advice visit the government website.

The government have also produced an easy to understand passenger safety information poster (external link to a PDF document).