Posted on 24th Jun
Retford bus station became the latest in Nottinghamshire to open this week, joining Newark and Worksop in welcoming passengers back inside. Mansfield bus station has remained open throughout the coronavirus crisis, albeit closing early.
Bus stations across the county had closed to the public in March due to the government lockdown measures.
Extra safety measures have been put in place, including social distancing markings, enhanced cleaning regimes and a reduced seating capacity.
Coun John Cottee, chairman of the Communities and Place Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “While the government lockdown measures encouraged us to stay at home and avoid using these services, our transport team never stopped keeping Nottinghamshire on the move.
“The continuation of public transport services, albeit significantly reduced, is testament to the hard work of our transport team, partner organisations and local transport providers.
“It is now four months since the lock down measures were first introduced. During this time, those who saved lives and protected Nottinghamshire from the coronavirus relied upon our staff to keep services going, and I am immensely proud of each and every one of them for supporting our key workers and making sure they could get to work.
“I am certain that public transport will remain at the centre of our communities, as well as our economic recovery from coronavirus as businesses begin to re-open their doors.
“Looking ahead to 4 July when businesses including restaurants, cafes, hotels, libraries, hair salons and pubs can reopen means that many people will be thinking of spending more time away from their homes, and for some, this may not be possible without the provision of public transport.
“A number of measures including enhanced cleaning, social distancing markings and reduced seating capacity have been introduced at all of our stations, and it would be remiss of me not to thank Nottinghamshire communities for their cooperation and understanding at this uncertain time.”
