The bus company Arriva has introduced a new timetable with reduced services across Kent from this week.

The move is a reaction to the smaller number of people travelling due to Covid lockdown.

Area managing director Simon Finnie said: “We are committed to running vital services so essential journeys can be made, key workers can get to and from work, and school children of key workers can get into educational settings.

"We have worked hard to design timetables that will cover these needs and continually monitor our service levels in line with demand.

"Wherever we can, we will adapt our services to meet demand and customer feedback."

The company is already operating social distancing measures on all buses, which has resulted in a reduction in seating capacity. Seats within two metres of the driver are taped off, and a no-standing policy is in place.

Mr Finnie said: "We’d like to reassure all those who need to travel with us that we are here when you need us, all of our buses are Covid-19 secure and undergo enhanced touch-point cleaning each day.

"Good ventilation of fresh air is ensured by keeping windows open wherever possible, so please wrap up warm."

The new timetables, which came into effect yesterday can be viewed online at here.

The Tesco buses to Lunsford Park, at Larkfield, and the X1 and X2 service from Kings Hill to Maidstone are the only routes not to suffer some alteration.

Customers are invited by the company to give feedback on the changes here.

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