Transport operators praised for keeping wheels turning in Lancashire

The county council’s cabinet member for highways and transport paid tribute to the “vital” work they have done to support key workers and ensure people can make essential journeys during the lockdown.

Coun Keith Iddon said the council was working closely with transport operators to keep passengers informed about changes to services, support operators with timely payments and check that reduced timetables continue to meet people’s needs.

And the council’s Travelcare service, which usually transports vulnerable people to services such as day care and special schools, had carried out a variety of extra tasks including distributing PPE, and delivering free school meals, while operating more limited school and dial–a-ride journeys during the pandemic.

“Lancashire’s transport workers are playing a vital role during the current crisis, ensuring everyone who works in an essential service, whether that be health, manufacturing, or the food industry, can get to work, and that goods and supplies are delivered,” said Coun Iddon.

“It’s important that we recognise their efforts alongside all the key workers who have responded to the crisis with such professionalism and dedication to keep the country running during this difficult time.

“Lancashire’s transport operators have done an excellent job of keeping services running, and it’s a great tribute to them, and particularly the drivers on the frontline, that they’ve just been getting on with the job in very difficult circumstances.”

“We’ve been supporting transport operators as much as we can by quickly processing payments for concessionary travel and contracts to help with their cashflow, and ensuring the information we provide for passengers is up to date on the www.traveline.info journey planner and county council website.

“As far as we’re aware the current levels of service are meeting what people need, but I would also ask people to let us know about any gaps in public transport so that we can work with operators to address them.”

You can find information about buses at www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/public-transport. If you would like to offer feedback on services, email [email protected].