Reduced bus and train services from today

Stagecoach is switching to a holiday timetable because of the coronavirus outbreak.

In Plymouth, Citybus is adopting a Saturday service on weekdays – with some additions – from Monday.

Meanwhile bus firms have relaxed the restrictions on free travel for the elderly and disabled so they can get to early morning exclusive shopping sessions at supermarkets.

Stagecoach South West said it was following advice from the authorities and carrying out extra cleaning, and asked travellers to use contactless payments where possible.

It said it was working to retain core services and prioritising early, late and infrequent journeys so people could get to work and rural communities remained connected.

A spokesperson said passengers may have to wait a little longer for some of the more frequent services.

Some journeys operate slightly differently in school holidays so passengers are advised to check the timetable before travelling.

Journeys on timetables marked ST operate during term-time, those marked SH operate in holidays. If a service does not have the code, it will operate as normal.

The Government is advising against non-essential travel.

The Stagecoach South West spokesperson said: “We know that there are lots of concerns about the current serious situation and the uncertainty that everybody is feeling at this time.

“Our first priority is to protect the safety of our customers and our people. 

“We want to reassure you that we are adding additional precautions such as extra cleaning and following the very latest advice from the Government and public health authorities.

“The situation is evolving daily; you may have to wait a little longer for some of our more frequent services at this current time. 

“Please be patient, we are doing our best to retain our core services.

“We are prioritising our early, late and infrequent journeys so that people can continue to get to work and our rural communities remain connected.

“We would like to encourage customers to use contactless payment where possible.”

More information is available on coronavirus on the Stagecoach website.

In Plymouth, from Monday, March 23, Citybus is adopting a Saturday service on weekdays – with some additions. 

Plymouth Citybus said: “We will be moving to Saturday service levels every day between Monday 23rd March and Saturday 28th March 2020. Sunday 29th March 2020 will run as per a normal Sunday Service.

“There will be some additions to this to make sure that areas of the city that do not currently receive a Saturday service do so. This includes the 44A and services to Estover Industrial estate on service 34.

“Plans are currently being drawn up to provide a super Sunday service from Monday 30th March 2020, where most services will reduce to Sunday service levels. We will maintain a higher service to the routes that feed Derriford Hospital.

“We will keep the public updated on the detail as soon as it is available.”

The company has already announced the cancellation of all away day trips, breaks and holidays out of Plymouth because of coronavirus up until the end of May. The Travel Centre in Royal Parade has also been closed, with staff relocated to answer questions over the phone.

A spokesperson said: “We thank our passengers during this time for their understanding on this matter.”

More information is available on the Citybus website.

Bus companies have worked with local councils to relax the time restriction on concessionary travel for the elderly and disabled.

Under the scheme, National Bus Pass holders were previously only allowed free travel from 9.30am after the morning rush-hour.

But under the new arrangement they can travel free at any time, allowing them to get to early morning supermarket sessions exclusively for the elderly and vulnerable.

Stagecoach South West said: “Previously, concessionary bus travel was not permitted during the morning rush-hour, but in response to coronavirus the bus firm has agreed with the local authorities to allow those who have the passes to travel earlier so they can get to the shops to buy food and essentials.”

A spokesperson added: “Whilst we recognise these are challenging times, we know people rely on our services and we provide a vital lifeline for the elderly and vulnerable customers.

 “So, in line with other businesses, such as supermarkets making special allowances for exclusive access to food and services, working in partnership with our local authorities, we will be temporarily allowing concessionary bus travel any time of day.”

Devon County Council said: “The move is in response to fewer schoolchildren and commuters travelling during the coronavirus pandemic, which has freed up capacity on public transport. It will also enable older people to travel to stores which are offering early opening for over-70s.”

Cabinet member for transport Cllr Roger Croad said: “We’ve seen a number of supermarkets open up their stores for older shoppers for the first hour of opening so it makes sense that, where possible, we help open up access to services so that passengers can make it to their local shops and other essential services.

“Taking into account ongoing national travel advice, we are also working with our transport providers to maintain a network of services as much as possible for those people that rely on local bus services.”

There is also a reduced service on some train networks. For the latest from GWR, click here. Details from SWR can be found here. For Crosscountry, the timetable is here.