Colourful masks designed to keep Harrogate buses safe raise thousands for NHS

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It comes after a plea from Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones to remind customers that wearing masks is compulsory on board and in the bus station, unless you are legally exempt.

Mr Jones saluted the firm’s “All the Colours of Transdev” campaign, which has reinforced the actions required to prevent respiratory droplets from travelling in the air to slow the spread of Covid-19.

He also praised the team’s efforts in keeping vital services running smoothly throughout the pandemic.

“I fully support The Harrogate Bus Company’s imaginative campaign to raise awareness and make it as easy as possible for everyone to wear a face covering every time they travel,” Mr Jones said.

“The company’s drivers, engineering and support teams are doing an excellent job, sometimes in challenging circumstances, to keep Harrogate and Knaresborough moving. They all deserve our thanks and support.”

The Harrogate Bus Company operates local routes in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby and Ripon, linking the area with Leeds, York, Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge.

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Its parent company Transdev is one of the largest public transport operators in Europe, with a reputation for delivering high quality services.

International studies have shown that the Covid-19 risk on public transport has remained low during the pandemic, thanks to the extensive measures put in place to keep passengers safe.

The Harrogate Bus Company has introduced deep cleaning regimes, including the use of viricidal mist and sanitising touch points throughout the day.

Customers can also use the firm’s website or the Transdev Go mobile app to check how much room there is on the bus before travelling.

The Harrogate Bus Company’s CEO, Alex Hornby, said: “We work hard every day to make sure our buses continue to be safe and welcoming places where people want to be seen.

“Our customers tell us they really like the design of our unique face coverings, which is based on the colours of our bus companies right across the North. They can be washed and reused, which protects our environment and supports our message to passengers to wear a face covering every time they travel with us.”

The colourful face coverings are available to buy online and from the information kiosk at Harrogate Bus Station for £2.50 each.

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All proceeds go to NHS Charities Together, which supports staff and volunteers caring for Covid-19 patients nationwide.