New '12 people limit per bus' rules for Harrogate passengers

The new restriction will apply to most single deckers while a maximum capacity of 20 people will become the norm on double deckers and just seven people on the smallest buses.

The new policy is just one small part of a wide range of measures by the town’s leading bus firm as it attempts to re-establish confidence in public transport and prepares to welcome the return of general passengers after more than two months of sometimes empty buses.

Despite giving the go-ahead for non-essential shops to reopen next week, the Government advice is still to avoid public transport as the country fights the pandemic.

But Alex Hornby, Harrogate Bus Company’s chief executive, said the national picture over public transport did not reflect the reality in Harrogate and the company was ready to give the public a safe welcome back.

He said: “Some of the London-centric messaging many of us will have seen that seeks to reduce the use of public transport doesn’t reflect the picture we see here in Harrogate.

“We have been working closely with national and local government officers to support the local economy at a time this is so sorely needed.”

The firm’s new approach is being designed to so that passengers can spread out on board.

Members of the same household can now sit together on the same bus.

Last weekend saw the introduction of increased services to spread out passenger numbers as they return to using buses begins.

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Harrogate Bus Company has also introduced an enhanced and extensive daily cleaning regime, a powerful anti-viral mist is sprayed through its buses each night – with further deep cleaning at bus stations and destinations throughout the day to maintain the highest standards of hygiene.

In addition, it has unveiled a handy new mobile app called SpaceChecker to boost customer confidence as bus passengers return with the easing of lockdown restrictions on travel.

The new app run via www.transdevbus.co.uk in partnership with information technology solutions provider Passenger, is powered by customers themselves, who will be able to add information on whether their bus is becoming busy directly.

Mr Hornby said: “We are providing exceptionally clean buses, with plenty of space on board for everyone to travel safely.”

North Yorkshire County Council said, while it followed Government guidance on public transport, it supported Harrogate Bus Company's efforts.

Coun Don Mackenzie said: "Our advice to the travelling public follows national guidance - namely that in the short term people should avoid public transport if other options for travel are available.

"But we do have confidence that our main bus company in Harrogate has introduced very effective measures to ensure that their passengers are well-spaced inside the bus, and that regular disinfection of surfaces is carried out.

"The county council has been making every effort to support bus operators at this very difficult time for them, when their ticket receipts are at minimal levels.

"The County Council has continued to pay the operators based on historic average payments for concessionary fares (bus pass) journeys, and for contracted home to school transport even though there has been minimal demand for such services."

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