Social distancing on Leeds First buses as changes made during Covid-19 pandemic

First is currently operating a reduced fleet of 160 buses from its depots in Bramley and Hunslet with a smaller number of engineers due to furloughing.

Engineers have carried out close to 1,000 pieces of work on the buses so key workers and people needing to make essential journeys can travel safely and support social distancing.

On-bus measures include a clear vinyl film to cover speech holes in the security screen that separates the driver cab and passengers.

Seats have also been cordoned off and new signage has been put in place.

Chris Coultas, a mechanical engineer at the Bramley depot, said: “It really has been a team effort to get the changes made and have buses fitted out for service.

"We’re co-ordinating with the traffic supervisors and schedulers as each vehicle is ready to go and checking with the drivers for any repairs needed overnight.

"Everyone’s pulled together to support frontline workers from behind the scenes.”

First’s services 16, 49, 50 and 87 operate out of the Bramley depot on routes to St James’s Hospital with the 42 service to the hospital coming from its Hunslet depot.

The 5 service, again from Bramley, is direct into the grounds of Leeds General Infirmary.