Bus timetables are set to be stripped back to restricted services in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Arriva – which operates throughout north and west Kent and Swale – says it will be cutting back on many routes from Monday.

The company – which runs buses around Faversham, Sheppey, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Medway, Gravesend and Dartford – today announced that they will be making changes to some of their services in Kent from next week.

The changes will be made from Monday in line with recent government advice and school closures due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“We have had to reduce the frequency of some services,” an Arriva statement said.

“However we will still be operating our key routes to ensure customers can continue to access critical services, and we are continuing to tailor our service changes in line with ongoing advice from the government and public health bodies.

“Customers will be made aware of any ongoing service changes via our website and social media channels.

“Anytime restrictions on concessionary bus passes in Kent have temporarily been lifted, meaning they can be used all day until further notice."

Arriva says further details are expected to be announced on its website before the weekend.

Meanwhile, elderly and disabled people will now able to use their bus passes before 9am in Medway.

In Medway, the passes can be used on services provided by Arriva, Nu-Venture and ASD Coaches.

Across the rest of Kent, residents will be able to use the passes on services provided by Stagecoach, Arriva, Go Coach and Nu-Venture before 9.30am.

Holders of a senior citizen and disabled bus pass were previously able to travel for free on buses after 9am but, following discussions with operators, this condition has been removed.

"This will help older residents access shops which are opening early for them."

The changes came into effect today.

Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for front line services, said: “I would like to thank all of the operators who have worked with us to extend the use of the bus passes.

"This will help older residents access shops which are opening early for them.

"We are committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community, as well as supporting residents with critical day-to-day services.”

Read more: All the latest news in Medway