7th Jul 2021 06:17
(Alliance News) - FirstGroup PLC on Tuesday welcomed a GBP226.5 million UK government support package for regional bus providers in England as the industry gets ready for the latest easing of virus curbs.
The six-month funding package will support regional bus service providers in the transition away from the Covid-19 Bus Service Support Grant, a UK scheme designed to help the firms beleaguered by the pandemic. The new programme will run from September until April next year, the government said.
Janette Bell, managing director of FirstGroup's First Bus arm, said: "We welcome today's announcement by UK government of a bus recovery funding package for England which will ensure that an effective bus network can be provided for customers as the economy and the communities we serve emerge from the pandemic."
"We will continue to build on the successful partnerships we have created with local authorities to meet our customers' needs by developing joint plans for further improvements and innovation over the coming months. It is vital that government continues to work together with us to encourage more people onto buses in order to deliver economic revival, improve air quality and meet the UK’s net zero ambitions."
The company noted First Bus has seen "encouraging" passenger volumes, as Covid-19 restrictions are loosened. On July 19, England will see another easing of curbs.
There will no longer be any limits on social contact, the legal requirement to wear face masks will be lifted and all remaining businesses which are closed under current riles, including nightclubs, will be allowed to reopen.
By Eric Cunha; [email protected]
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