County council helps transport operators amid coronavirus threat

Lincolnshire County Council is providing financial support for bus operators in the county to protect vital services and hundreds of local jobs.

Passenger numbers have dropped dramatically as people follow government advice to stay at home as much as possible. So, to help support transport operators during this time, Lincolnshire County Council is paying companies between 85 and 100 per cent of the value of their contracts with the authority until at least the end of June 2020.

The council will also continue to reimburse bus companies for the journeys that concessionary pass holders might have taken during this period.

The funding will allow bus operators to continue to pay staff wages, carry out basic maintenance and do what is needed to keep their company financially viable.

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways and transport, said: “As well as protecting the health of our residents, one of our main priorities during this pandemic is to protect Lincolnshire’s economy and so we’re keen to support local businesses weather this storm however we can.

“As the county begins to open up again, we will need our public transport network and our home to school services, so it’s vital that we can help our local operators to retain staff and to be on our roads again when we need them.”

The council will offer support to transport suppliers through discretionary addition contract payments. This funding is designed to ensure that all drivers and passenger assistants normally working to deliver council contracts continue to be paid.

Operators will be expected to treat any subcontractors and self-employed staff engaged on council contracts in the same way, ensuring this financial help is passed fairly to those working in this vital transport sector.

If any member of staff delivering transport services usually paid for by the council believes their pay has been cut or stopped, despite their employer receiving this support, they can report this to the council in confidence by calling 01522 553022. We will investigate all claims and, where necessary, recoup any financial support that has been misused.

Cllr Richard Davies added: “I want to thank our local operators for maintaining their key routes for essential workers during this time.

“I’d also like to remind residents to follow the government’s guidelines and only make essential journeys.”