BUS DRIVERS have been provided with special cleaning kits to wipe down surfaces before, after and during their shift as part of new measures Transdev Queensland has introduced in the wake of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, the operator has announced.
In a move to help ensure Brisbane and Redlands Shire buses are “Covid safe and ready for passengers to return”, Transdev Queensland – which operates more than 3,000 bus services per week on behalf of the Queensland State Government – says daily cleaning, cordoned-off seating and rear-door loading are just some of the steps that have been introduced to ensure a safe and reliable ride for bus passengers and drivers.
Transdev Queensland’s head of Business Operations Mark McKenzie confirms daily cleaning of buses, in addition to in-journey cleaning by drivers, was being conducted.
“Our top priority is always the safety of our passengers and drivers,” McKenzie said.
“Passengers can feel confident when travelling on-board our services, as we are taking every step necessary to provide a safe, clean, reliable and friendly service.”
“We are all in this fight against Covid-19 together, and passengers have an important role in helping to limit the spread and keep our services safe,” McKenzie added.
“While our drivers are focusing on safely operating the vehicle, it is up to passengers to ensure that they do the right thing and practise good hygiene, maintain social distance where they can, avoid leaving home if they are feeling unwell, and using their go card to pay for fares.”
Customers should take any necessary steps, such as bringing their own hand sanitiser, to ensure that they feel safe when travelling, the company explains.
A Transdev Queensland representative clarifed for ABC magazine that: “Drivers are provided with kits and are given the choice to clean their spaces as they feel appropriate.”
FRONTLINE STAFF
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey thanked Transdev staff for their efforts to help curb the impacts of coronavirus through extra cleaning.
“Public transport is helping frontline staff get to and from work during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is why we’re helping Transdev meet the costs of ramped-up cleaning to make sure buses as safe as possible, while also supporting Queensland jobs,” Minister Bailey said.
Member for Capalaba and current chief government whip Don Brown thanked commuters for following health advice and only travelling when necessary.
“Vehicles and stations – including touch points like hand rails and push-buttons – have been sanitised on an increased basis to further minimise the risk of infection,” Member Brown said.
“Queenslanders have been doing the right thing to flatten the curve and we need everyone to keep that effort up as we head into winter.”
Head of TransLink Matt Longland thanked delivery partners and their staff for ensuring people are able to travel for essential reasons during this time, says Transdev Queensland.
ABOUT TRANSDEV QUEENSLAND
Transdev operates metropolitan bus services on behalf of Translink and the Queensland Government, it states.
Its bus team operates more than 108 vehicles providing urban, school and charter services to the local community, transporting 2.6 million people per year, it states.
Photography: courtesy Transdev Queensland