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www.bradleystokejournal.co.uk
t: 01454 300 400
September 2020
Socially distanced, mask-wearing passengers on the top deck of a First bus
W
ith passenger capacity on buses significantly reduced due to social distancing measures, First West of England is trialling an online system that allows customers to reserve space on specific journeys, thereby eliminating the risk of being unable to board because the bus is full. The new function can now be used on peak-time journeys on the popular T1 express service that passes along Bradley Stoke Way, Great Stoke Way and the Stoke Gifford By-Pass on its way between Thornbury and Bristol city centre. This route was chosen as one of the first trials as it is a busy interurban route that offers customers a significantly reduced travel time when the M32 is busy. Journeys on which the function is available have been renumbered as T1b to denote it is a bookable bus. The innovative new facility comes as First continues to find ways to use technology to improve the travelling experience
for its customers. It follows recent changes to First’s smartphone app, which now enables customers to track the location and seat availability of their bus. Along with social distancing measures on its buses and an enhanced cleaning regime, it forms a package of measures to ensure customers can make informed and safe journeys on First’s buses at a time when the government has changed its advice to make it clear that anybody can use public transport. The ‘Book my bus ride’ initiative is being pioneered by First West of England in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) and is believed to be the first system of its kind operating on regular, scheduled bus services in the UK. Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance of the journey, with the flexibility of being able to reserve a space, subject to availability, right up to 15 minutes before departure. Customers will have the option
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