Bakers Dolphin back on the road

Weston-super-Mare-based Bakers Dolphin is pleased to report it is now running trips and holidays again.

At the end of July the company took passengers on a scenic day tour to the north-Devon coast, the firm’s first commercial outing since March. By the end of this month, a further 16 holidays will have been completed.

Satisfied customers have taken to social media to express their delight in being able to take a badly-needed break. One said: “I’m really glad you are back. I really enjoyed the trip. The driver was really nice and friendly. I’d rather go with you as I have done before, I don’t want to go with anyone else. I also wish to say it was very clean and safe to travel with you.”

A range of new measures designed to protect passengers and staff from the risk of coronavirus have been introduced.

Sales and Marketing Director, Amanda Harrington, said: “We’ve waited a long time to be able to take passengers away again, and it’s extremely gratifying to get such positive feedback.

“We have introduced additional intervention measures in our procedures and on our vehicles, adding air filtration systems which reduce the amount of pollutants in the air, as well as enforcing the wearing of face coverings and reducing vehicle capacities to aid social distancing.

“We want to encourage people back on board and assure them that they can travel safely in style and comfort. We believe that our coaches are as safe as they can possibly be.”

Social distancing restrictions mean that Bakers Dolphin has had to reduce the capacity on its coaches for the forthcoming holidays. It is still offering seats for some September holidays. Bakers Dolphin, has been awarded VisitEngland’s ‘We’re Good To Go’ charter mark in recognition of it complying with all COVID-19 Government and public health guidance.

With many Christmas markets cancelling, Bakers Dolphin is seeking some form of festive alternative. Despite getting back on the road, the company is a Honk For Hope supporter and still wants to see extended Government support for the industry.

The company’s fleet of 70 vehicles has stood idle for months because of the pandemic. Many of the company’s 100 employees have been furloughed during the lockdown, with some of its drivers working as back-up staff for Bristol Ambulance EMS across the region. The lockdown meant the company’s plans to move to a new depot have been postponed.

  • More on operators getting back to the day trip and holiday market can be found in this week’s Bus and Coach Buyer, out later this week

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