First Bus trials new way of travelling

Buses not in use at depot in Henbury Credit: ITV West Country

A new seating arrangement is being trialled to keep social distancing measures while travelling on buses.

First West of England has taped off areas to show passengers where they can and can't sit.

The company is preparing for an ease in lockdown measures, and trying to encourage more back on their vehicles after passenger numbers fell to 8% of their normal totals. Currently just 140 of their 600 vehicles are running.

They are trialling a new seating arrangement. Seats will be taped indicating where you can and can't sit, with passengers sat two metres apart.

First Buses will show passengers where they can sit Credit: ITV West Country

This means an average bus with 75 seats will now have 20. A single decker bus will have 10.

Bosses insist this is sustainable even though there will be less people travelling on each bus, and possible more drivers and buses needed.

If successful this new way of travelling will be on all its routes - Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Wells and parts of West Wiltshire in the coming weeks.

  • Report by Ellie Barker