Falkirk buses will reduce services from next week

First Midland has announced bus services will operate to a reduced timetable during the working week.
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From Monday, March 30 services will be operating to a broadly Sunday timetable level but with additional journeys added earlier in the morning to sustain services

for those key workers and emergency service staff needing to make essential travel across the region.

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The bus operator states it is committed to continuing services wherever possible so that those who need to make essential journeys such as for food shopping or for those critical workers getting to their place of employment, can continue to do so.

First Midland are reducing services from Monday, March 30First Midland are reducing services from Monday, March 30
First Midland are reducing services from Monday, March 30

The announcement comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus, including advice that people should leave home only to exercise once a day, travel to and from work where “absolutely necessary” shop for essential items and to fulfil any medical or care needs.

Recent days have seen the number of people using bus services continue to reduce as they adhere to the government lockdown. This is reflected across other sectors, all of which have had to review and reduce their operations in view of the fast-moving coronavirus outbreak.

First has written to the Local Traffic Commissioner about its intentions as well as keeping the relevant local authorities and key stakeholders up to date.

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First Midland managing director Andrew Jarvis said: “With much of the UK effectively ordered to stay at home for at least the next few weeks, we have made the decision to move to a reduced service timetable to support those who still need to get to and from work and get out to shops and pharmacies, whilst fulfilling our own role as vital key workers during this time of national crisis.

“Just a few weeks ago it was almost inconceivable that these restrictions would be in place, which only underlines what a challenging, dynamic and rapidly evolving situation the UK faces, and one which First Midland is monitoring and responding to day-by-day, hour-by-hour.

“It’s important to emphasise that we are in constant contact with stakeholders, including local authorities and ministers, and rest assured everything is being done to keep those key workers mobile as the nation comes together to limit the spread of coronavirus.

“I would like to personally thank everyone at First Midland who have been absolutely fantastic at keeping the wheels turning for essential workers in the local area.

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“Regular customers can be assured we will endeavour to get more frequent services back up and running as soon as the Government decides it is safe to do so.”

People are advised to refer to the First Midland website for the most up to date service information, travel advice and information about Coronavirus.

Visit www.firstgroup.com for more.