Bus companies have been handed a £167million bailout to keep vital services running during the coronavirus crisis. Passenger numbers have plummeted since Boris Johnson ordered people to stay at home, with only “key workers” allowed to travel during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The huge drop in commuters has piled pressure on operators. But ministers are desperate for buses to stay on the roads to ferry staff to shops, hospitals and other essential workplaces – and for people who need to travel to buy food.
Announcing the latest Government bailout, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We have been very clear during the outbreak that the best way to stop the spread of the virus and protect the NHS is to stay at home if possible. “Our buses