MOREBUS has updated the layout of Poole Bus Station and its buses to ensure passengers and drivers can continue to practise social distancing and travel safely as demand for services increases.

The local operator has been welcoming customers for essential travel throughout the coronavirus crisis, and is expecting higher demand as services increase.

“People with key roles have been continuing to rely on our bus services since March, and others are now also returning to work” said Morebus head of communications, Nikki Honer. “We will be here for them.

“We are doing everything possible to make travel safe - both for our passengers and our colleagues. Our cleaning regimes are stringent, and our buses are regularly sanitised with anti-viral wipes, with extra focus on all touch points.

“Customers will see a change at Poole Bus Station, where our team has introduced new stops and a system which allows people to practice social distancing.

“The layout of our buses has changed too, and we ask that people follow the on-bus signage - using window seats and alternate rows only. These are all clearly marked with vinyls on windows, and signs on seats that should not be used.

“If you are making an essential trip with another member of your household, however, you may sit next to them. We have also installed screens to protect drivers and passengers and we remind passengers not to touch these.

“All of this will reduce the capacity of our vehicles, but we plan to respond by running extra buses. We ask people to bear with us as we begin to increase our services.

“There are also measures passengers can take, to help keep everyone safe.We are asking people to wear face coverings and avoid paying with cash if they can. We have other payment methods available - including contactless, our app and smartcard, theKey. If you must use cash, we ask you to try and have the correct change.”

For information, go to morebus.co.uk