Urban Transport Group Director Jonathan Bray said:

“As transport authorities we have been liaising intensively on the key issues which will help support a safe return to public transport for more people and more journey purposes. This includes managing capacity, cleanliness and hygiene and communicating with the public.

“Significant challenges lie ahead. Not least of which is the looming August 4th deadline when the current funding package for local buses and light rail systems outside London elapses, as well as how we manage and pay for the additional public transport that will be needed to support a return to schools in September.

“However, we will continue to work together to tackle these challenges as part of our wider response to the COVID 19 crisis of getting essential workers where they need to be, supporting the recovery and being an integral part of building back better and greener in the aftermath of this crisis.”