Popular coach operator National Express has announced it has changed its timetables in line with new Government rules on travelling and social distancing. The coach company provides national and international services across Europe.
Are National Express buses running?
Coaches are still running but to a heavily amended timetable, and the company has extended flexibility rules regarding fixed tickets.
Capacity on services has been reduced to 50 percent, in order to allow passengers to spread out and practice social distancing rules while on their trip.
Kiosks at bus and coach stations will not be manned for the foreseeable future.
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The travel provider has completely suspended international services to Paris and other European cities.
Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach, said: “Latest Government advice is that people should avoid travelling unless it is essential.
“We are still operating to be able to help those individuals with essential travel needs and ask all others to follow guidance and not travel unnecessarily.
Mr Hardy added: “Our drivers, customer service teams, customer contact centre and the wider National Express team are working incredibly hard to keep these services running safely.
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“We are doing all we can to support everyone who works in our business at this challenging time , especially our front-line staff who can’t work from home; including paying company sick pay from day one.
“And we’re trying to help our customers as best we can in this uncertain time by offering a free amend to re-book their travel with us again in the next 12 months or a full refund for anyone whose travel has been cancelled.”
National and regional travel services have made various announcements over the last week to warn commuters about new timetables and to avoid travelling unless totally necessary.
Police now have the power to stop travellers and ask them where they are going.
Announcing the new rules on Monday evening, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review.
“We will look again in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to.
“But at present there are just no easy options. The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.”
Mr Johnson insisted there was a “clear way through” and he believed the “people of this country will rise to that challenge”.
“We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together.
“And therefore I urge you at this moment of national emergency to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.”
Do you have any questions about the coronavirus, self-isolating or the Government lockdown?
Get in touch with us and Express.co.uk will ask an expert to find the answers for you. Email your question to [email protected]
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