CT4N returns to service

Having temporarily ended services after to two of its drivers contracted COVID-19, Nottingham-based CT4N has returned to service.

The operator reports it has completed a safety review and is now starting a phased reintroduction of its services. Following two cases of COVID-19 amongst its driving staff and with concern for staff welfare, the management of CT4N took the decision to suspend its operations to give it time to review all its sanitisation and safety arrangements. This decision was supported by the RMT union which has been campaigning nationally on bus driver safety.

While the company reports it met Public Health England Guidance for workplaces, CT4N has identified a number of areas it can go beyond these specifications. The operator has detailed instructions around the existing cleaning processes on buses and at the depots. It has purchased three disinfectant fogging machines to enhance the daily deep clean of each bus. Additional social distancing on buses will be created by closing off the tip-up seats behind the driver, although that bay will still be available for wheelchair users. Where any concerns about infection arise, new quarantine areas for the vehicles involved have been created with separate arrangements for cleaning and safe disposal of potentially contaminated material.

When the services were suspended, emergency discussions were held with the City and County Councils and some temporary arrangements were put in place. In particular, CT4N is very grateful to Nottingham City Transport for stepping up and providing cover for the Medilink service. Managing Director, Ian Combellack, said: “We have been keeping the authorities informed of progress with the review and are now discussing with them a priority timetable for service reintroduction, which will also include some school services. In the first instance we have asked for volunteers from our drivers and many have come forward letting us know they want to play their part in supporting the fight against COVID-19.”

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