Megabus will restart part of its scheduled coach network in England and Wales from Friday 3 July, the operator has announced.
The restart has been timed to coincide with the further relaxation of restrictions from 4 July. Megabus says it has carried out “extensive research” into how its customers plan to use services in the future, with visits to friends and short breaks or holidays among popular answers.
Adds Megabus Managing Director Mark Venables: “From the overwhelming response we received, we know that people are very keen to get back onboard as quickly as possible. With the extra safety measures that we have to ensure that our services are COVID-19 secure, and with customers following guidance, people can have confidence in travelling with us.”
Reduced capacity will be in place onboard coaches. COVID-19 secure measures will further include:
- All coaches to be deep cleaned and undergo stringent checks before returning to service
- The introduction of an enhanced daily and in-service cleaning regime
- Anti-bacterial stations on all coaches
- Extra cleaning supplies provided to drivers for use during the day
- Drivers equipped with face masks, face visors, gloves and hand sanitiser
- An increased cleaning regime and filter changing schedule for air-conditioning units.
Megabus services in England and Wales were suspended after Sunday 5 April. Routes within Scotland have continued to operate. There, they are used by key workers as part of their commutes and Stagecoach agreed with the Scottish Government that they would be retained. Anglo-Scottish services will restart “when restrictions allow,” says Megabus.
Fellow Stagecoach brand Oxford Tube has already announced that its service will be reintroduced on 6 July. Competitor National Express will restart its network on 1 July with a restricted timetable.
