The organiser of a Black Prince Buses running day in Yorkshire has provided a possible model of how to stage such events while the pandemic controls remain in place.
The Wetherby Wanderers day between Leeds and Wetherby went ahead in a modified form on 5 July, with pre-booking and a range of safety measures inside the participating buses.
‘The event was intended to be a one off in 2019, part of my Black Prince 50th anniversary celebration programme, but as the day proved so popular, I was approached to organise a rerun in 2020,’ says Bradley McMullen.
‘With the onset of Covid-19, the operation of the event was cast into doubt. I kept an eye on the updated guidelines, reviewing the government website regularly to monitor relaxation of rules.
‘It was a great relief to note the guidance relaxation of 4 July, which allowed me to proceed confidently with the running day, operating to my Plan B timetable and within the new conditions. The timetable of services was heavily revised in the few days before the event, leaving plenty of downtime in Wetherby to clean and disinfect the buses and allow passengers a chance to explore the newly reopened town centre.
‘I drew up several new measures to show a huge effort …
