Arriva will run dedicated buses for pupils in Bedfordshire

Arriva will be running buses reserved for pupils and students only, to support them when they return to school, sixth form and college next month.

The bus company has also created a guide with essential information on social distancing, and what buses they can catch - www.arrivabus.co.uk.

All Arriva buses are Covid-19 secure and undergo enhanced touchpoint cleaning each day. Good ventilation of fresh air is ensured by keeping windows open wherever possible.

To help reduce the amount of physical contact between pupils and drivers, Arriva are asking pupils to only use contactless payment or tickets via the Arriva UK Bus app. Cash will only be accepted as a form of payment in exceptional circumstances and where the correct fare can be paid, Arriva drivers will not be able to provide change at this time.

Simon Finnie, area managing director for Arriva said: “There are some elements of bus travel that are operating slightly differently this year.

"We will have buses reserved for school, sixth form and college pupils only, the route number for these services will begin with an 'S'.

"Pupils from any year group and from any school or college located on the route can travel on these buses.

"If you need to travel on the same bus as pupils from another school then please sit with others from your own school, ideally from your own year group.

"Where possible we are asking you to maintain social distancing, although capacity on these buses will be increased allowing students to sit next to each other and standing if necessary.

"The seats behind the driver and any facing each other will be taped off and should not be used.

"We recommend that all pupils over the age of 11 wear a face covering, exemptions apply.

"Pupils should also carry hand sanitiser with them and use it before getting on and off the bus wherever possible.

"To help increase capacity, we will be using larger buses than normal on certain services and in some cases we will be running two buses at the same time so that both those travelling to and from school or college and those travelling for any other purpose can do so safely.

"As per government guidelines, social distancing will be required on these services and is clearly marked out onboard.

"All those over 11 will be required to wear a face covering on these buses, exemptions apply.”

If the route you usually travel on does not begin with an 'S' it means that there is no dedicated school bus.

You can use your normal service to travel to school or college, Arriva have ensured there is plenty of capacity on these services.

Please be aware that social distancing will be required on normal services, which is clearly marked out onboard.

If you are over 11 you will be required to wear a face covering on these buses, exemptions apply.

For full timetable details, visit: www.arrivabus.co.uk/arriva-uk-bus-app.