A few weeks ago, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) reiterated government advice against non-essential use of public transport. But the team didn’t lie dormant – instead they pooled their resources together in a bid to support key workers travel needs. unLTD’s Bronte Saulle jumped on a video call to find out more!
From NHS staff to supermarket workers and other vital professions, there are a host of individuals who rely on public transport to get to their job as a key worker during this time. In response, SYPTE has taken a joined-up approach by working with a number of different operators and agencies to ensure services are available for those who need it the most.
Travel Advisor, Laura Fish has been at the forefront of communication with healthcare providers across South Yorkshire, including working closely with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to establish the transport needs of their staff.
Closely supported by the transport planning team, Sonya Lawford has been leading on coordinating schedules with operators including First and Stagecoach, as well as liaising with Network Rail.
“There has been a back-to-basics approach adopted during this time, focusing on what really matters – getting key workers to work. We have responded by providing those people with the service and experience they require to get them to where they need to go,” facilities manager, Sonya explained.
There are a number of different examples of this happening across Sheffield, such as Stagecoach providing a new route from Mosborough, First launching a dedicated service for NHS employees, Powells taking on the no. 6 bus route and waiting times reduced for those who rely on connecting services.
The health and safety of drivers has been of paramount importance with personal protective equipment offered (alongside the plastic shield already in place between the driver and passenger) and travellers encouraged to use contactless card payments whenever possible.
SYPTE Marketing Manager, Richard Pilgrim, said: “It has been fantastic to see a ‘we’re all in this together’ approach taken across the public transport network. For the team who are working from home, including myself, it has been a seamless transition with technology already in place across SYPTE to ensure we can stay connected during this time.
“It was welcomed news from the Department of Transport that initial funding of up to £167 million has been pledged, which will be paid over 12 weeks, under the new COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant. This will help maintain key routes on South Yorkshire’s bus network, until June 2020, when it will be reviewed.”
For the latest updates from Travel South Yorkshire on its response to COVID-19, visit: www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/coronavirus
Information correct as of 14 April 2020.
