BUSES, TRAINS & TRAM SERVICES ARE TO BE REDUCED DUE TO FEWER PASSENGERS AS SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES TAKE HOLD

With the government urging only essential travel, the regions buses, trains and trams have seen a sharp decline in passenger travel across their services over the past few days.

Under the current unprecedented circumstances a number of those services will be reduced.

As the country moves from the contain phase of the pandemic into the delay phase and social distancing becomes more prevalent, that footfall is expected to drop even further as people stay at home to work where possible.

The public transport network will still remain operational but with reduced services in some areas, as yet it is unknown just which of those areas will be affected or the frequency.

Transport bosses insist that the public will still be able to get to work via the networks.

Trams. Trains & Buses will undergo extensive deep cleaning to prevent the spread of the disease.

TfGM Customer Director, Mr Stephen Rhodes, said:

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“Many of us are worried by the threat posed by the Coronavirus and I want to reassure everyone that our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our staff and public transport users.

“While the latest Government guidance advises against the use of public transport unless it’s for essential reasons, we know there will still be people who need tram, train and bus services to get to work, visit loved ones or access essential services.

“This is a dynamic situation which we are continually monitoring alongside all operators and we have already seen a reduction in the number of people using public transport.

“With that number expected to fall further, a reduction in frequency of bus, train and tram services is expected in the coming days.

“We will be working closely with our partners to ensure we can keep Greater Manchester moving as best as possible at this challenging time.”

“People will of course be worried about the potential spread of the virus.

“And I want to reassure them that we and our colleagues across the transport industry are doing all we can to limit its spread, through robust cleaning regimes and by following the latest advice and information from Public Health England and I’d encourage anyone who does need to travel at this time to check with individual operators ahead of their journey.”