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Travel On London Buses Is Now Free After 20 Bus Drivers Died From The Coronavirus
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has made travel on buses free after 20 bus drivers died from the Coronavirus.
Sadiq Khan also told passengers to only board by the middle doors in a bid to protect bus drivers.
As part of measures to protect bus drivers from catching the coronavirus, travel on London buses will be free from Monday, April 20.
This move comes after 20 bus drivers lost their lives after contacting the deadly coronavirus.
According to reports, there have been bus driver deaths in Bristol, Nottingham and the north west; while hundreds of depot staff have also fallen ill.
Announcing the decision, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan said the deaths of 20 London transport workers from COVID-19 “breaks my heart.”
Sadiq Khan also told passengers to only board bus by the middle doors in a bid to protect drivers.
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Just like Lagos BRT, passengers boarding London buses use the front doors to allow them tap-in using a bank card or travel pass. This method of payment forces passengers to come within inches of drivers.
Khan hopes that the new measures will make it easier for drivers and commuters to maintain a safe distance from one another.
“I will continue to do whatever it takes to keep our heroic transport workers as safe as possible,”
He added:
“I would like to remind Londoners that you shouldn’t be travelling by any mode of transport unless it is absolutely necessary, and public transport is only open for critical workers.”
Under current rules, British are barred from using public transport unless they are making an essential journey.
The public are also advised to remain two metres away from one another when outside their homes.
Public transport use has declined by around 90% in London since the national coronavirus lockdown was implemented.
