Reading Buses has announced new social distancing measures to keep passengers and employees safe during the coronavirus lockdown.

A heightened cleaning regime is now in place and the company has swapped as many buses as possible to provide drivers with screens in their cab.

This will help limit the potential for the virus to be passed between customer and driver.

Seats closest to the drivers have also been cordoned off to assist with social distancing.

All drivers have been issued with hand sanitisers for when they are on shift with a refill facility available – but have also been reminded to wash their hands whenever possible back at the depot.

Special attention has been made to ensure that high-contact areas such as poles and bell buttons are cleaned as a priority.

Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer Robert Williams said: “We are doing all we can in this current situation to help keep both our employees and our customers safe and healthy so that we can continue to provide services for essential journeys.

Seats closest to the driver will be cordoned off

“First and foremost we are advising customers not to travel if they don’t feel well and only to travel at all if necessary.

“We are encouraging customers to use cashless payments on the bus.

"They can pay by contactless bankcard, mobile app or with smartcard – and those paying cash will need exact change as all buses on the road have ‘hoppers’ that the fare must be dropped into. No route will give change to help limit the chance of the virus spreading.

Signs directed at Reading Buses passengers

“In keeping with Public Health England’s guidelines, we are also asking customers to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before leaving to get the bus – and to do the same when they arrive at their destination."

For customers, Reading Buses has also been reinforcing the messages from Public Health England as well as other ideas so the public can help themselves, and others, stay safe.

Using their website, social media accounts and on-board bus screens and posters, the company is reminding customers of good practice.

Mr Williams added: “When waiting for the bus we are advising that customers should try and maintain the two-metre social distancing space and board the bus one at a time.

“And once on board customers are asked to try and space themselves out where they can, although we know that this won’t always be possible.

“If you have to cough or sneeze, please do so hygienically using a tissue, disposing of them after leaving the bus. If you don’t have a tissue, use the crook of your arm as per the Public Health England guidance.

“If everyone follows the current guidance we know we can limit the spread of the virus as well as continuing to provide a service for the people of Reading and the local area, ensuring all our wonderful employees and customers stay safe.”

For more information visit Reading Buses