THE BLACKBURN Bus Company has been saluted by MP Kate Hollern for their efforts to keep people safe on public transport during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mrs Hollern is supporting The Blackburn Bus Company’s campaign to make it easier for everyone who can wear a face covering to do so, in line with legal requirements.

The MP is asking people to put their best face on as the town’s leading bus company continues to remind customers that wearing a face covering on board is now compulsory.

The Blackburn Bus Company’s bus parent company Transdev has already raised over £2,400 for NHS Charities Together by selling its designer “All The Colours of Transdev” reusable face coverings – with more to come.

Mrs Hollern said: “It’s now mandatory to wear a face covering both on-board the bus and in bus stations. Face coverings provide an extra layer to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling in the air and onto other people, and are a vitally important part of the “Hands, Space, Face” actions that we can all take to slow the spread of the virus.

“I fully support The Blackburn Bus Company’s imaginative campaign to raise awareness and make it as easy as possible for everyone who can to wear a face covering every time they travel.

“The company’s drivers, engineering and support teams are doing an excellent job, sometimes in challenging circumstances, to keep Blackburn and East Lancashire moving. They all deserve our thanks – and our support to help keep everyone safe.”

The Blackburn Bus Company’s CEO Alex Hornby said: “We work hard every day to make sure our buses continue to be safe and welcoming places where people want to be seen. The same unique and style-conscious approach we’re famous for went into the design of our ‘All The Colours of Transdev’ face coverings.

“Our customers tell us they really like the design of our unique face coverings, which is based on the colours of our bus companies right across the North – and that they can be washed and used again and again, which protects our environment. They also support our message to all those who can to wear a face covering every time they travel with us.

“Several international studies have shown that the risk of coronavirus on public transport has remained low throughout the pandemic, thanks to the extensive measures we have in place to make sure we continue to be Clean, Safe and Ready to Go.

“We have enhanced deep cleaning regimes in place, using virucidal mist which is proven to be highly effective each night inside every bus, with additional cleaning of touch points throughout the day. Each bus has a hand sanitiser dispenser, with more services to make sure everyone can space out – while our customers can use our website or Transdev Go mobile app to check how much room there is on the bus before travelling.”

Other than those who are legally exempt, including children under 11 and those with breathing issues or disabilities, face coverings must be worn on all buses and in bus stations.

The Blackburn Bus Company’s colourful face coverings are available to buy online via its website and from the travel shop at Blackburn Bus Station for just £2.50 each, with all proceeds going to NHS Charities Together, who support NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients nationwide