A limited bus service with strict social-distancing will start on Monday, the Premier announced yesterday.

David Burt said that all passengers would have to wear a face mask and keep a minimum of three feet apart when seated.

He said buses would be limited to a maximum of 17 passengers and no one would be allowed to stand. Mr Burt warned the public: “Remember to travel only for essential purposes and never if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, sneezing or coughing. Now is not the time for leisurely bus or ferry rides, so please continue to stay home as much as possible.”

The Department of Public Transportation said later that demand for the reduced schedule would be monitored and extra buses would be rostered if possible. Passengers were also told to limit conversations with bus drivers and that “if you must converse do so at the door”.

Customers must also use hand sanitiser on entry and follow social-distancing seating arrangements. Healthcare workers should not wear their uniforms to travel.

It was announced that bus users with March passes could use them until May 31.

April and May passes can be returned and exchanged for June, July or August passes only. Exchanges must be made by June 21 at the Hamilton bus terminal, where social-distancing and hygiene requirements will also be enforced.

The new schedule is available on the DPT website.

• To see the temporary schedule, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”