Bus services resume

Derby Bus Station has reopened its doors in a phased approach, as operators, including Bondholder trentbarton, have increased the number of services across the city.

The bus station, part of the Bondholder Riverlights Derby complex, will be open daily, Monday to Saturday, from 7.50am ahead of the first service leaving at 8.00am, and will close immediately after the final service has departed at 8.00pm. Sunday opening times have not yet been confirmed.

A number of restrictions will be in place to ensure the safety of all users, and passengers are asked to ensure social distancing is maintained at all times. A one-way pedestrian flow will be in operation, so passengers will only be able to enter the bus station from the Morledge entrance, and exit using the doors near the River Gardens.

Moreover, passengers are encouraged to use contactless payment wherever possible and, in line with Government guidelines, face coverings are to become mandatory on public transport from Monday 15th June.

The bus station will be used as a pick-up point only, and services coming back into the city will drop off passengers at on-street bus stops. The toilets, information office and shop will remain closed initially, however staff will be available on the concourse to deal with any enquiries people may have.

To maintain social distancing on bus services, the seat capacity on all buses has been reduced by operators to around 25%, and although the number of people using public transport is expected to remain low, passengers are encouraged to only travel if their journey is absolutely essential, and consider if their journey could be made at non-peak times when it’s quieter.

Councillor Matthew Holmes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transportation said: “It is encouraging that services are returning to their normal timetables as much as possible, and we, alongside the operators, have put in place appropriate measures to assist with social distancing, to ensure passengers feel safe and confident when using the bus station and services. I would like to remind residents and workers, that travel on public transport should only be made if it is essential, and be mindful that the number of seats available has drastically reduced, so, only to travel at peak-times if it is vital.”

Passengers should check the operator’s website for up to date timetable information. If feeling unwell, or if they have had coronavirus symptoms in the last 14 days, users are reminded to not travel.