CT4N suspends services after coronavirus death
CT4N and its parent Nottingham Community Transport has suspended all bus services until further notice.
A second of its drivers has been admitted to hospital with suspected COVID-19 symptoms. This has followed the earlier death of its driver, Andrew Howe, which, it was confirmed, was due to COVID-19.
A statement from CT4N said: “We have been strictly following national government guidance on health and safety procedures and techniques to help manage the risk of infection within the workplace and between drivers and passengers. However, this experience is raising doubts in the minds of staff, the union and management as to how robust these guidelines are in respect of the practicalities of public transport operation. The multiple deaths of bus drivers in London and elsewhere round the country, despite the use of shielding and cleaning, have added to our concerns.”
Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has put in place special arrangements for NHS employees who normally use CT4N’s Medilink between the City Hospital and QMC. Until 17 April 2020 inclusive, NHS employees can travel free on NCT services between the two hospital campuses by changing buses in Nottingham city centre. The operator will continue discussions with Nottingham City Council and the Hospitals Trust regarding longer term alternatives.
Cllr Adele Williams, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Local Transport, said: “We know that Medilink is used by NHS staff to travel between the City Hospital and QMC during their working day. So after the bank holiday weekend, from Tuesday to Friday next week, NCT will allow NHS staff to travel free on services 17, 89, 35 and 36. These run from the City Hospital and QMC into the city centre, where they can interchange. NHS staff will need to show their employee pass.
“Everyone was shocked and saddened to hear that CT4N driver Andrew Howe had sadly passed away after contracting Coronavirus. Our deepest condolences go to his loved ones.
“A big thank you to NCT for working with us to ensure we can continue to provide a transport service for our fantastic NHS workers in the city.”