Council bus firms in plea for more aid to keep running during coronavirus lockdown

The Blackpool firm, linked to Blackpool Council, said it had already to put many staff on furlough as income from fares plummeted as people stat at home.

A spokesman said: “Blackpool Transport’s income has fallen to a very low level and from Sunday, April 5, the Key Worker Service we are providing will still be much larger than many bus operators are offering.

"We are doing this because it is Blackpool Council’s policy that the town continues to have these priority services operating throughout the medical emergency.”

They said that the Government’s Staff Retention Scheme would not replace the money lost in reduced fares.

They added: “The public should be aware that the business will continue to be supported by Blackpool Council but the financial damage of the coronavirus is considerable and Government assistance is needed.”

The Local Government Association has warned bus services which help get health and care staff and other key workers to the frontline during the coronavirus outbreak risk collapsing without emergency rescue funding.

The LGA, which represents councils, is concerned that some bus companies and services will not be able to survive the crisis, as the number of passengers has fallen sharply – in some places 75 per cent - with most people now rightly staying safe at home.

It is calling for an emergency funding package for buses and council-run public transport and for councils.

Coun David Renard, LGA transport spokesman, said: “We urgently need government to step in and provide emergency funding for bus services and council-run public transport, such as trams and light railway.

“Without this, some companies and vital services will struggle to survive during the current crisis. Local public transport is an absolutely vital part of the national effort to protect the country and get through these unprecedented times.

“Many key workers rely on local buses, trams and light railway to get them to and from work.”

See also: More changes to resort bus timetable.A message from the Editor:

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