megabus gets back on the road as popular staycation trips revealed

As megabus, the UK’s leading low-cost intercity coach operator gets back on the road today (Friday 3 July), it has revealed the top journeys being booked by customers as lockdown restrictions are eased.

London has come out as the top spot to visit as many hotels, bars and restaurants prepare to re-open from Saturday 4 July. The most popular journeys being planned for July are trips from Leeds to London, Bristol to London and Sheffield to London. Travel to major cities such as Birmingham and Bristol is also popular, as people plan to re-unite with friends and family.

megabus has put a range of Covid-19 secure measures in place to ensure customers feel safe and confident in using its coach services. This includes enhanced deep-cleaning, anti-bacterial stations on board all coaches, and increased cleaning of air-conditioning units. Protective screens have been fitted in each of the driver’s cabs to provide a physical barrier between customers and the driver. In addition, customers are reminded that face coverings must be worn by law on all public transport in England and Scotland.

With social distancing measures in place, megabus services will be operating at significantly reduced capacity. Initially, only window seats will be available on every other row and customers will be allocated their seat if they haven’t reserved one in advance.

Mark Venables, Managing Director for megabus, said:  “We’re very pleased to be getting our coaches back out on the road again today.

“We knew from our research that many people were eager to get back to travelling with us and from the bookings we’ve seen for July so far, many people are using our coaches as a way to reconnect with family and friends, or to enjoy the re-opening of leisure facilities around the country.

“It’s no surprise that London has come out as the top destination for people to visit as lockdown restrictions are eased and bars, restaurants and hotels start to re-open in the capital. 

“With the extensive safety measures we have in place on our coaches, we’re confident that people will be happy to get on board and explore the freedom that our services can offer.”

Customers are asked to read the new safety measures in place before travelling to keep themselves and other customers safe. The measures include:

To protect you and our people

• All drivers will be provided with PPE.
• Anti-bac stations on board all our coaches.
• Customers are required to wear face coverings when in coach stations, at coach stops and when travelling on our coaches. Please bring your own.
• All customer service desks have an increased cleaning program in place as well as screens between customers and staff.

Social distancing

• We’ve limited the number of seats on board to allow for social distancing. You can still reserve a seat with us as normal. But if you haven’t reserved a seat, you’ll be allocated a seat when boarding.
• Passengers will need to maintain social distancing with the driver and other passengers where possible.
• Keep to your allocated seat and only use the on board toilet if necessary.
• Make sure you’re following the drivers instructions at all times – they’re there to help keep you safe.

Keeping it clean

• Enhanced cleaning regimes are in place on our coaches, coach stations and customer service desks.
• We’ve increased our cleaning regime and filter changing schedules for our air conditioning units.
• Customer touch points will all be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
• Anti-bac stations have been installed at both the front and middle of every coach.

What we’re asking you to do to help us

• Remember not to travel if you feel unwell.
• Make sure you’re following the driver’s instructions at all times – they’re there to help keep you safe.
• Passengers will need to maintain social distancing with the driver and other passengers where possible. Please arrive at the stop no more than 20 minutes in advance of your journey time.
• Clearly label your luggage with your destination to help with loading and unloading.
• Wear your face covering when you’re at the stop and on board. You’ll need to bring your own with you before travelling.
• Where you can, wash your hands before travelling.
• Please keep to your own seat and only use the toilet if necessary.
• Anti-bac stations are on every coach, though carrying your own is also recommended.
• Please be patient with us. As we’re all getting used to this new way of travelling, you may find it takes us a little longer to get you on and off the coach.

For full advice on travelling with megabus, or to book a ticket, visit https://uk.megabus.com/

ENDS