First Leeds bus timetables: Bus routes will return to pre-lockdown frequency this weekend as pupils return to school

All routes in the city will resume a full timetable on Saturday as lockdown measures begin to ease under the Government's road map.

Schools will reopen on Monday and First Leeds said services have been restarted to help pupils get to school.

The operator said the decision has been made in consultation with transport officials in the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Martin Hirst, commercial director of First West Yorkshire, said: “The services we’re reintroducing will help to manage a gradual change in passenger demand as lockdown restrictions are removed and have been agreed with the local transport authority.

"We will do all we can in the coming weeks to respond to travel behaviour and ensure there are services to meet our customers’ needs as daily life resumes.

“Parents have done an amazing job in supporting their children through home learning since the start of the year.

"We’re ready now to play our part as education goes back to the classroom. Pupils and parents relying on the bus can be confident journeys to and from school will be simple and straightforward.

"This has been completed in partnership with the transport and education teams in the local authority, as well as schools and we look forward to welcoming pupils back on to our buses.”

Buses undergo thorough cleaning of all touchpoints and surfaces, Mr Hirst said, and at selected interchanges and stopovers between service changes.

First is encouraging customers to use contactless payment, if possible, including the mTickets available on its app.

Mr Hirst added: "It’s the law to wear a face covering on the bus, unless under 11 or exempt, just as in shops and other indoor places.

"This must cover the nose and mouth throughout the journey and we encourage everyone to follow the public health guidance to wash hands or use a sanitiser before and after travel.”

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