The company issued the plea after figures this month showed that the passenger numbers had risen by 6,743 passengers – from 8,128 to 14,871 – over the course of three weeks.
A spokesperson for the firm said that they needed to keep their vehicles as empty as possible to allow those making essential journeys to adhere to physical-distancing rules.
The company is also asking all people who must take the bus to wear a face covering, use hand sanitiser and ensure all windows are fully open.
‘We are starting to see customer numbers increase as more people are able to get out and about to shops, restaurants or to work. With that in mind, we are now working towards keeping vehicles to no more than 50% of their seated capacity so customers are able to maintain a safe distance from one another,’ the spokesperson said. ‘We are currently working with the government to develop a clear policy for bus travel but, in the meantime, we are urging Islanders to only use the bus if they have no other alternative.
‘With limited capacities we need to ensure we have space for those making essential journeys or where they have no other form of transport available.’
The spokesperson added that bus users should plan ahead as buses were reaching capacity far earlier than they would normally.
‘Our current advice to customers is to only sit next to people from their own household. We strongly recommend customers wear a face covering if they can, carry hand sanitiser with them to use on the bus and to travel at off-peak times where possible,’ they said.
‘All vehicles will have their windows open at all times to aid ventilation so we ask that customers do not close the windows.
‘We also ask customers to plan a little extra time for their journey as the bus they were intending to catch may have already reached capacity and they will have to wait for the next service. We will continue to monitor numbers and work towards increasing services again to meet demand as required.’
