KEIGHLEY Bus Company is urging key workers and others relying on its services during the current coronavirus crisis to “check before travelling”.

The plea comes as revised temporary timetables are introduced, from Sunday (March 29).

The firm says the move is to take account of reduced demand while ensuring that people who need to get to work can do so and those without their own transport are able to reach essential shops and services.

Following the introduction of the revised timetables, Keighley Bus Company anticipates being able to continue with a similar level of service for up to a month – while keeping all services under review.

Alex Hornby, the firm’s chief executive officer, said: “On a personal note I remain extremely grateful to our drivers on the frontline as well as all those behind the scenes for their incredible efforts in helping our town and region at this critical time.

“We have been humbled by the many messages of support, as we do all we possibly can to keep our buses on the road, protect our colleagues and keep our key workers moving.

“I’d like to thank our customers too for their understanding while these unique circumstances continue – and to remind everyone that travel is only for those who really need it most. Most of our bus routes are running, just less often than usual, as we focus our resources on providing essential travel.

“We will remain here to take key workers to work, for their children to travel to school, and to help people without cars to reach shops and medical services for essentials.”

The company is advising customers to:

* Wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before and after travelling

* Board the bus one at a time

* Pay by contactless if possible

* Sit at least two metres apart if there’s room – seats closest to the driver are not available

* Cough or sneeze only into a tissue, or the inside of your arm

* If you’re feeling unwell, don’t travel

The firm reassures the public that its vehicles are safe to use.

Mr Hornby said: “We have a thorough cleaning regime in place to ensure each bus is cleaned inside and out every night.

“Extra cleaning is also taking place during the day at bus stations, extending throughout both the customer and driver areas of each bus – and the use of disinfectant, particularly on well-used surfaces, has been increased.

“Meanwhile, every driver has been provided with a personal hand sanitiser kit, and soap and hot water are available to all drivers where they take their breaks as usual.

“And on our buses with voice announcements, the company has specially-recorded messages to remind everyone of the safest ways to use our services.”

Full details of the temporary timetables can be found at transdevbus.co.uk/keighley and via the Transdev Go mobile app. Up-to-the-minute travel information is provided on Twitter, @keighleybus.

Keighley Bus Company operates services across West and North Yorkshire.