Mask policy - Stagecoach buses from next Monday

[whole diary]

[TaplowGreen]

Just to add to what I said above.

It's not what I want, but I can see a very good case can be made for mask wearing to be a requirement for public transport for some time now, at least until we can be as close to 100% certain the pandemic is under complete control. In that scenario, at some point ideas such as mask-only carriages, as suggested elsewhere, could be considered, but the time for that is not now. Right now, what we desperately need is caution.

Exactly this.

[broadgage]

The MOT testing of motor vehicles was intended to be a temporary requirement after the second war. The idea was rid the roads the pre-war "old bangers" that had been kept on the roads with often bodged repairs during the wartime and immediate post war shortage of parts and spares.

The MOT test was originally introduced in 1960, some time after WW2.

Not that long, post war shortages of new vehicles persisted for some years. The intent was to "get the pre-war old bangers of the roads" once new vehicles were available to anyone with the money.

[didcotdean]

Originally the Motor Vehicle Test as it was first called (at least officially) applied only to cars that were ten years old or more. Around 40% failed and a large number of older cars disappeared from vehicle tax records without being tested at all, presumed scrapped. When it was reduced to seven years the failure rate came down but only to around a third. Deficient brakes were most often the problem. Surveys showed that five year old cars would have been just as likely to fail, hence the next reduction. However, brakes were in general much less effective back then even when properly maintained.

[grahame]

From Buses of Somerset, which is a First Group company.

Following the Government’s announcement on lockdown restrictions easing from 19th July, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of some of the measures we have in place to keep our you and our customers safe when travelling on our buses, so here’s a guide for use from Monday 19th July 2021.

Wearing masks
We are following government guidance and recommend all customers wear a face mask whilst on board. Please remember that this is a personal choice and not everyone may wish to wear a mask.

Ventilation & Cleaning
We will continue to ensure that all windows are left open for additional ventilation in addition to our enhanced cleaning regime which will remain in place to keep you and others around you safe.

Social distancing
All seats will be in use from Monday 19th July and our buses will return to full capacity making sure we can take customers to where they need to go.

[grahame]

From Swindon Bus

On Monday 19th of July, England moves to Step 4 of the Government's roadmap and will be relaxing most Covid-19 restrictions. See below the latest measures in place when travelling with us.

Face coverings - Although the Government have lifted coronavirus restrictions, we strongly recommend customers to wear face coverings whilst on board at this time.

Seating - All seats are back in use from Monday 19th July, but please keep your distance from others where possible. You can check how full the bus is using our busy bus checker on the website or on the Swindon Bus mobile app.

Buying tickets - We are still asking customers to pay using contactless, theKey or mobile app to minimise cash handling - however, cash payments are still accepted for those who cannot pay by any other means, due to less change being available we ask that you have the correct fare if you can.

Hand sanitiser dispensers - We provide hand sanitiser dispensers on all of our buses for customers to use, and we encourage you to use these upon boarding and exiting the bus.

Cleaning - We have extensive cleaning regimes that maintain high levels of hygiene for passengers to protect the health and well-being of our customers and employees. These regimes are carefully monitored and reviewed.

Windows - There will be reminders on board to leave windows open for increased airflow.

Our drivers - Our safety screens in our driving cabs will remain to create a protective layer between our drivers and customers. For your safety and theirs, please do not touch these screens.

If you, as a customer, are displaying signs of coronavirus, we ask that you do not use public transport at this time and follow the advice issued by the NHS.