People who travel in and out of the city centre will notice a few key changes as public transport services continue to adapt to measures brought in as a result of COVID-19.
Bus services are now starting to return to nearly normal levels. However, as there have been some changes to routes and frequency of services, people are being urged to check operator websites or www.travelinesw.com for the most up-to-date timetables. Extra safety measures have been introduced both on board and at bus stops and passengers are being asked to bear in mind the following:
- Plan your journey
- Wear a face mask or covering - it is now compulsory
- Take a hand sanitizer
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after travelling
- Only one person at a time should board the bus
- Try to use contactless cards to pay rather than cash
- Try to sit at least two metres apart - one person to a seat if possible
- If you feel at all unwell, don’t travel
Some seats have been cordoned off including all backward facing seats and those within two metres of the driver and there is no standing. It is up to passengers to decide whether they want to board.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport said: “This is an uncertain time for people - the Government guidance suggests people should avoid public transport but we know that is not feasible for people who rely on it to get to work. The bus operators have been working hard to adapt so that people feel safe. Services are almost back up to normal, but there have been key changes to create more space for passengers on their journeys, to reduce the chance of contact with the virus.”
At the moment time restrictions for concessionary fares have been lifted so that all pass-holders can travel all day (normally 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays and anytime at weekends/bank holidays).
What else is different?
Bus stops and shelters
- Social distancing guidance posters have been put up in key shelters
- Real Time Passenger Information Displays will shortly be back up and will have social distancing reminders
- Tips on how to travel safely on buses will be posted in shelters at key locations
- A more frequent cleaning regime for city centre shelters
Park and Ride
- The George - is open but the building remains closed. The Park and Ride service returns to normal levels on Monday 15 June but please check the timetable as there have been some minor changes
- Coypool - due to open on Monday 15 June. The Park and Ride service will be operating on a reduced timetable. Please check the timetable for details
- Milehouse - The Park and Ride service returns to normal levels on Monday 15 June but check the timetable for details
Rail
- GWR: Hourly service between Plymouth and London in both directions with four journeys a day in each direction continuing to/from Cornwall - but GWR are urging people to only travel if necessary
- Tamar Valley Line operating normal timetable.
- Cross Country: Service between Plymouth and Bristol operating hourly frequency
Coaches
- National Express are looking to resume limited coach operations from Wednesday 1 July.
- Falcon has a limited timetable which started on June 1
- Megabus is looking at a possible July start
The building is currently closed but coaches are still operating from the coach station
Taxis
Social distancing markers are now on the ground at city centre taxi ranks. Our taxi trade would like passengers to wear a face covering.
Community Transport
ShopMobility is now open for wheelchair and scooter hire Monday to Saturday 10am until 2pm. Visit www.accessplymouth.co.uk or call 01752 600633