Preston Bus to resume suspended services and increase passenger capacity as lockdown eases

It said normal services will resume for buses 12 (Longton via via railway station, Penwortham, New Longton) and 14 (Holme Slack via St George's Road, Deepdale Shopping Park) from Monday, June 1.

The two services were among a number of bus routes that were temporarily suspended on March 28 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

At least 13 services had been stripped back or suspended altogether for the duration of the lockdown.

But from Monday (June 1), Preston Bus will begin a gradual return to its full, pre-lockdown timetable.

In addition to increasing the frequency of services across the city, it will also introduce double-decker buses to increase capacity for services 6 (Ormskirk - Scott Estate Circular) and 89 (Larches via Railway Station & Portway).

The company said "extensive cleaning regimes" will remain in place on all buses and it is asking passengers to continue using contactless payment.

A number of safety measures have been introduced to protect passengers and bus drivers. These are:

1. Use Contactless or its App to pay for fares

2. Board and exit the bus one at a time

3. Remember social distancing onboard

4. Keep your hands clean

5. Do not travel if you are feeling unwell