Buses Update from TfL, July 2020

This morning I’ve received an update from Transport for London, about how London’s buses are running during the coronavirus crisis, as of July 2020.

Key points:

  • Front door boarding returns

  • Payment now taken on all buses

  • Raised passenger limits

  • Still “one-in, one-out” with driver discretion for family groups

  • Face masks needed for whole journey

 
 

As of Saturday 11 July, all London buses are now taking payments and the temporary capacity limits have increased.

Following the temporary changes made to protect drivers and customers from coronavirus, nearly all buses have returned to front door boarding. Customers are now required to touch in with Oyster, contactless and concessionary cards on all buses when they board.

Working closely with University College London (UCL), bus operators, and Unite the Union, TfL developed safety measures including closing off the gaps in the driver’s assault screen. This has allowed us to reinstate front door boarding on nearly all of our buses, making social distancing easier for customers as they enter and exit the bus.

Customers must wear face coverings for their entire journey, unless they are exempt. Cleaning and hygiene measures have also been introduced across the transport network, which includes all touch points being cleaned with hospital grade disinfectant every day.

The temporary bus capacity limits have now been increased in line with the Government’s latest social distancing guidance. Double-decker buses can now carry 30 passengers, while single-deckers can carry either 11 or 14 passengers. Signs on buses clearly mark these new passenger limits. Drivers have the discretion to allow more customers on board if they are travelling in household groups. A one customer off, one customer on policy operates on buses at full capacity.

Customers are advised to continue to follow Government guidance, which includes walking or cycling if possible, travelling at quieter times and washing hands before and after journeys. Customers on buses are advised to sit individually in each pair of seats, with the exception of those travelling in household groups.

Neil Garratt