FirstBus will limit capacity on its services to a quarter full to ensure social distancing as people return to work in greater numbers.
The Aberdeen-based group has unveiled a range of measures on its fleets of buses across the UK.
It will direct passengers only to use seats at an appropriate distance from each other, reducing capacity by 75%. Seats will be clearly marked on all vehicles by Monday 25 May.
Add a facility to ticket machines that allows drivers to count passengers on and off and advises them what capacity remains. Where a bus is full, the driver will show a “Sorry bus full” display on the destination screen.
FirstBus and its rivals such as Stagecoach have reported passengers volumes down by as much as 90% during lockdown.
Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnston encouraged people who cannot work at home to return to their workplace but urged them not to use public transport. Bus operators have been running skeleton services to help key employees such as NHS staff get to work.
First Bus says it is in regular contact with the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland and will follow guidance on further measures in due course.
Andrew Jarvis, managing director of First Bus in Scotland, said: “Our priority is and always has been ensuring passenger safety on our bus services. Social distancing measures are being introduced across our buses this week to ensure the safety of our colleagues and customers.
“Our buses will be operating at a reduced capacity with around one in four seats available, but thanks to passenger data monitoring, we will be in a position to provide double deck buses on the busiest journeys and have a limited number of duplicate buses ready to add to routes where appropriate to try and provide the best service possible for essential journeys.
“We are committed to keeping customers informed of the latest travel advice and information though our online channels and signage across our buses. We have been working closely with our colleagues and trade unions on the measures we are taking to enable social distancing for our colleagues and customers.
“We would ask for people’s patience during these challenging times as we adapt our service provision around the Government’s guidance. Together we can all play a crucial role in getting Scotland back on its feet again.”
