Shortly after lockdown was implemented the company called on the public to stay off public transport unless it was absolutely necessary to protect services for essential workers.
As a result, in April, passenger numbers slumped to just 26,260 – compared to 397,274 during the same time last year. Since then, amid a significantly reduced timetable, passenger numbers have risen to 169,897 for July. However, they remain some way off the 540,000 recorded for July last year.
Service levels are now gradually increasing with additional, later buses being put on some routes including the number 15 to the Airport and number 1 to Gorey Pier.
It follows the announcement of an increase in some fares by the company this week – with adult cash fares rising from £2.30 to £2.40, sparking anger from some.
However, with cash not being accepted on buses between March and July, many have now made the switch to contactless payment methods – with just 4% of passengers using cash.
The fare for payments made on contactless cards remain at £2. Adult AvanchiPAYG fares will rise from £1.65 to £1.75.
Meanwhile, the company has also issued a plea to passengers to ensure they wear face masks on buses for the entirety of the time that they are on-board after a minority were found to not be complying with the rules.
A spokesperson for the company said: ‘We are enforcing them as a condition of travel, meaning passengers are being refused entry if they are not wearing one. The majority of passengers are complying with the regulations without any complaint. We are finding that a minority of people are removing their masks once they are on-board.’
They added: ‘We would like to remind all passengers that they should be wearing a face covering for their entire journey unless they are exempt.
‘Face coverings for our drivers will continue to be at their choice as it is imperative that they are comfortable and have nothing impairing their vision when driving. They are also at a distance of more than one metre from customers when in the cab, have their window open at all times to aid ventilation and have very limited contact time with other people on board.’
