Swindon Bus Company responds after claims not everyone's wearing face coverings

It came after Westlea woman Suzanne Hamrouni, 61, estimated more than half a dozen people were allowed on the number 19 bus from the town centre on Monday afternoon without wearing a mask or other covering.

Suzanne, who was wearing a mask, said: “I feel let down. I know how important the buses are to us.”

She had seen a number of social media posts from the company making it explicit that people needed to wear masks. “They [Swindon's Bus Company] have made every effort, I can’t fault the inside of the buses. But the fact is they’ve not carried out what they’ve said to do.”

Swindon's Bus Company responds

In a statement, Swindon's Bus Company managing director Andrew Wickham said the firm expected all passengers to wear a face covering “if they can”.

He said: “Some of our passengers may have a health condition which exempts them from wearing a face covering - and not all of these conditions are visible to others. If you need to travel without a face covering, we recommend you carry a Helping Hand journey assistance card.

“These are specifically designed to help drivers and other passengers recognise and understand your position. It is not compulsory to carry one, but, if you would like a card, they will be available from our drivers and customer services team very shortly.”

Public transport - what do I need to wear?

From June 15 it is mandatory to wear face coverings on public transport

While announcing the measures, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters that it will be enforced by transport operators and British Transport Police “if necessary”.

He said that changes would be made to the conditions of travel for trains and buses, adding: “This will mean that you can be refused travel if you don’t comply and you could be fined.”

There will be exemptions to the rules for very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties.