Arriva “activating contingency plans” and look to re-introduce some services in coming days

Some local bus services could restart in the coming days as Arriva say they are “activating contingency plans”.

Last night Arriva suspended most of their local services due to a number of staff testing positive for coronavirus, with others shielding.

Earlier today there have been calls for the council and Welsh Government to step in and arrange services to cover the industrial estate and the hospital.

In the first official communication since after some confusing messages last night Arriva Bus Wales said they are ‘activating contingency plans’ and redeploying resources that could see some routes restart in the coming days.

Late this morning Arriva said of the closure decision last night: “The decision will affect our services over the next few days and we are advising all customers to check the Arriva website or Arriva app before they travel.

“We are prioritising routes that our key worker customers require for their essential journeys including services 1, 5 and X51.”

“All other services are currently suspended and our Wrexham staff have been placed on furlough during the closure. We are activating contingency plans so that we can safely redeploy resources which may allow us to re-introduce some routes over the coming days.”

Arriva also detailed ‘enhanced’ cleaning and steps that were put in place to protect staff, “Arriva Bus Wales has closely worked with public health agencies, local transport authorities, experts and trade unions to protect employees and customers from COVID19 as much as possible.

“This includes ensuring enhanced cleaning regimes remain in place and that all touch-point surfaces on our buses and in our depots are regularly deep cleaned.

“Our drivers sit behind screens that separate them from customers and if they need to leave the cab, they wear face coverings. Customer seating within two metres are not in use. We also encourage contactless payment where possible.

“We will continue to support Public Health Wales and local authorities whilst following all the latest COVID19 guidance, as the priority remains keeping our colleagues and customers safe.

“We wish a speedy recovery for our colleagues who have been affected by COVID19 and will be supporting them in a safe return to Wrexham Depot in the future.”