Bosses at a Kent bus operator have confirmed most of its services in the county will return to full pre-lockdown timetables next week.

Stagecoach's school routes will be fully restored from Tuesday as pupils head back to the classroom.

Whilst government limits on the number of passengers on buses remain in place, it has been confirmed these restrictions will not apply to the same extent on dedicated school transport services.

A number of services will operate as dedicated schools’ services which will only be available for young people to board travelling to and fro.

These services will show "School Service" on the display at the front of the bus.

There will be no standing allowed and rear facing seats and or those within two metres of the driver will be closed-off.

Arrangements are also being made between Stagecoach and other bus operators to run additional services in tandem with scheduled ones to enhance capacity where needed.

Face-coverings continue to be required when travelling for anyone over the age of 11 - unless they are exempt.

One of the measures the firm has taken is to minimise cash handling by not issuing change on the bus.

Although it is continuing to accept cash, no change will be given and overpayments will be donated to Demelza.

Stagecoach managing director Joel Mitchell said: "We’ve now got six months’ experience of running buses safely during a pandemic situation and a whole range of measures in place to ensure our customers can use our services safely and with confidence."

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