A new message aimed at reassuring customers that it’s safe to travel by bus with them has been announced by Reading Buses.
The company are reminding all customers of the action being taken to keep their customers safe and connected.
Reading Buses are keen to let customers know that not only have they been doing lots of things to keep their buses, employees and customers safe, but that they have also been operating throughout the pandemic and have kept communities, key workers and essential shoppers connected.
One of the key elements of this new message is an innovative new filter used in the ventilation system of buses.
The new filter is designed to capture the water, dust and aerosol that can carry coronavirus. It contains silver which kills 99.99% of viruses on contact.
Said Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer: “These filters will not only help us to do even more to keep our customers safe, they will also provide a reassuring message to help boost customer confidence as travel restrictions gradually ease, and people no longer have to stay at home.”
Reading Buses also highlight other important safety measures that they have introduced at the onset of Covid-19 to keep customers as safe as possible.
The company provides hand sanitiser in the entrance area of every bus, and the drivers sit behind a screen to reduce potential contact. Contactless payment is strongly encouraged by app, smartcard or bank card to both speed up boarding and limit contact.
Social distancing is still very important, with reminders at bus stops and inside and outside buses encouraging people to allow each other space. Buses will only be allowed to carry 50% of normal capacity to provide space on board although customers are, of course, allowed to travel in a bubble.
Customer numbers are regularly monitored to ensure that, where possible, extra buses are provided to avoid anybody being left behind due to the reduced space available.
Handy green ticks highlight the best places to sit to maintain full two metres social distancing whenever possible. There are also reminders on the windows to keep them open to help with ventilation – another key element in keeping people safe. Face coverings must be worn at all times, unless someone is exempt.
The company have also introduced an enhanced cleaning regime with extra attention paid to hand poles, bell buttons and other high contact areas.
The safety message is centred around a short 90 second video in which the company is highlighting that they are ‘keeping you safe, keeping you connected’. It reminds everyone of all the things the company are doing to keep their customers safe, but also that they have always been available throughout the pandemic to connect local residents to the places they need to get to.
The video is available to view now on the Reading Buses website www.reading-buses.co.uk and YouTube channel as well as social media, and has been released to correspond with the latest lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in the government’s roadmap.
Added Robert: “These important safety measures have certainly helped us keep our customers safe whilst they make essential journeys. We now hope that through the video, and on social media and our website, people can see how we are going above and beyond to keep them safe and encourage our pre-Covid19 customers to return to the bus, especially now that people are able to enjoy more of their leisure time away from their homes.
“Research conducted by Transport Focus shows that whilst people not currently using buses are apprehensive about the safety of travelling, the vast majority of those that are travelling by bus say they consider that all the safety measures are effective and they feel safe on board.
“We also want to remind customers that buses remove the issue of stressful traffic jams and the hassle of parking.
“We can’t wait for our customers to return, and this campaign is intended to highlight the incredible work our whole team has been doing to keep you safe and keep you connected.”