Stagecoach East Midlands passengers have contributed £8,500 to the NHS COVID-19 Urgent Appeal through the operator’s exact fare policy, which was introduced to keep customers and drivers safe during the pandemic by reducing cash handling.
Payment via contactless or the Stagecoach app has been encouraged, but when fares have been paid in cash, any leftover change was given to the Appeal.
Says Managing Director Matt Cranwell: “At the height of the pandemic we took action to reduce the chance of spreading the virus by reducing payments to cashless or exact fare only to ensure the safety of both our passengers and our staff.
“We informed those travelling with us of the new policy and told them that their spare change would support the NHS COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. The initiative was warmly welcomed.
“That has meant we have so far been able to donate £8,500 to the Appeal and help to support those who have helped us all during the crisis.”
The COVID-19 Urgent Appeal was launched by NHS Charities Together in March. It aims to acknowledge and support NHS staff and volunteers who have been impacted by the virus.
