Buses in South Yorkshire set to stop for tribute to coronavirus victims

A minute’s silence is due to be observed around the country in honour of bus and transport workers in London who have fallen victim to COVID-19.

It is being organised by Unite, which is demanding greater protection for those who are still working during the pandemic.

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Coronavirus has claimed the lives of 21 London transport employees, including 15 bus drivers, according to the union.

While the silence is being held in memory of fallen workers in the capital, the call for greater protection is relevant to bus services around the country.

First South Yorkshire said its drivers were being encouraged to support the minute’s silence where it is ‘safe to do so’.

Drivers are due to pull over, switch their engines off and stand outside their cab to observe the silence.

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Bus services have been scaled back in South Yorkshire, with people advised only to travel if it is essential, but some dedicated services have been laid on for NHS workers.

To protect staff and customers, First says it has intensified its cleaning regimes, ‘embedded’ social distancing and provided gloves and hand sanitiser to all drivers. It is also encouraging people to wash their hands regularly and asking customers to avoid using cash where possible.

Stagecoach says it has stepped up cleaning of hand poles and grab rails and has issued additional cleaning materials including hand sanitiser to frontline staff. It is also asking customers to use contactless payment.