COACH firm chiefs have devised a strategy to keep customers safe on journeys, including limiting passengers by half to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Commandery Coaches, based in Tolladine Road, Worcester, has adapted to the latest Government guidelines, reducing the amount of time passengers spend on their coaches and their contact with each other, cutting the number of people on all coaches by around half. A spokesman said: "All staff will be provided with appropriate PPE including, face shields, face masks, safety glasses and gloves.The first two rows behind the driver will be kept clear for driver safety.

"Before and after journeys our vehicles will be cleaned thoroughly with special emphasis on anywhere passengers may touch such as, handrails, seat belts, arm rests etc.

Coaches will arrive shorty before scheduled departures. Upon arrival at the pickup point the driver will alight the vehicle allowing passengers to board.

"Passengers will be asked to ‘fill up’ from the rear. If passengers require hand sanitizer then the driver will be able to provide it.

"Passengers from the same household may sit in adjacent seats, otherwise passengers must sit one to a double seat alternating along the coach window seat, next row isle seat and so on. Seating will be explained by the driver to avoid confusion. In order to increase ventilation, during travel the roof vents will be left open. The air-conditioning will be set to bring air into the vehicle from outside and expel the air from inside the cabin. Air filters will be cleaned and sanitized regularly.

"Recycling the air will not be permitted. When alighting the vehicle, passengers must do so in row order starting from the front."

The company has asked that anyone who is symptomatic or who has been in contact with anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 not to travel.