London buses are set to resume front door boarding on 124 bus routes from Saturday, and commuters will now be required to use their Oyster cards, Transport for London (TfL) have said.
In April TfL abandoned using front door boarding over concerns bus workers had died from the virus.
University College London have suggested that safety and hygiene improvements made by TfL have now made it possible for them to resume front door boarding.
Deputy Mayor for Transport Heidi Alexander said, “Scientific advice has confirmed that it is safe for front door boarding to resume on these buses thanks to these improvements.
“Our message to Londoners is clear though – please work from home and travel on foot or bike if you can. Public transport is a precious resource that should be preserved for those who need it.
“But if you absolutely have to travel on our network, wear a face mask, avoid the busiest times and respect the new arrangements to enable everyone to travel safely.”
Unite officer for London buses John Murphy said: “Bus workers have tragically lost their lives during this pandemic and our determination is to make sure that no other family endures this heartache.
“Unite has been working closely with experts at UCL, TfL and London bus operators to ensure that the return to front door loading does not adversely affect driver safety.
“Unite will continue to lobby and work with employers and TfL to ensure that all bus workers are full protected at work and that passengers and the wider public are cared for.”
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