Coronavirus - COVID19: Service information

This page was last updated: 8 September 2020 and will continue to be updated should any detail change. We'll be operating new timetables from 13 September 2020.

For important extra information please see here:

General First Bus guidance ⇒

Timetable Information

Please continue to check our website for any changes to timetables and services. Please travel only if your journey is essential.

Are there any imminent timetable changes?

We are continuously reviewing our services. From Sunday 13 September new timetables will be introduced. Please refer to timetable links above to view timetables for your service.

Good to Go!

We’re delighted to be accredited as ‘Good to Go’ by Visit Scotland!

This means we have reached a UK-wide industry standard to provide confidence to our passengers, and assure you that we are working hard to adhere to government guidance and have measures in place to allow you to get on the move again!

For important extra information please see here:
General First Bus guidance ⇒	Information about travelling safely on our buses (applies to all of our operating areas) Local information is below.
Face coverings information ⇒	Guidance from First Bus about who does and does not need to wear a face covering on our buses, and the rules that apply.
Government guidance ⇒	Official UK government coronavirus guidance and support page. Comprehensive guidance on living in the UK during the coronavirus outbreak, with guidance, support, statistics and announcements.
Risk Assessment ⇒	First Bus Covid 19 Risk assessment

Who may and may not travel on your buses?
Government advice is to considering other forms of transport before using public transport and to travel safely. People intending to travel should check the Scottish Government website first, click here.

There are currently no restrictions on passenger type and everyone is welcome on our buses if their journey is necessary, they follow government and First Bus guidance, and they are not feeling unwell. Anyone who is suffering from coronavirus symptoms including a persistent cough or high temperature, should not travel, and should follow public health guidelines.

With operators and customers working together we will provide a bus network, for those who need it, that is safe and allows everyone to complete their essential journeys.

Wearing a face covering

From Monday 22nd June it has been mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport, unless you have an underlying medical condition which makes wearing a face covering difficult. Children under 5 are exempt from wearing a face covering.

From Monday 31st August it has been mandatory for all school children to wear a face covering on public transport unless they have an underlying medical condition which makes wearing a face covering difficult

Please note that those with an underlying health condition are not required to wear a face covering. You may need to be prepared to let the driver know you are unable to do so. First Glasgow support the use of Thistle Assistance Cards, which can be used to communicate the holder has a medical exemption. Please click here for more information.

What assistance is provided for disabled passengers?
Support for disabled passengers remains the same as before coronavirus, see here for more details ⇒

We offer our full support to wheelchair users who want to travel with us. While many of our seats are blocked with signs or tape, our wheelchair spaces remain available. All our buses have a dedicated area for wheelchair users; other passengers are required to give up the space for wheelchair users. Please ask the driver for assistance if you require any help. If the driver needs to leave their cab to provide passenger assistance they will wear a face covering.

Wheelchair users have priority over everyone else for the use of the designated wheelchair space, since this is the only place in which they can travel safely.

If the ramp is required please keep a 1 metre distance whilst the driver puts the ramp in place.
The driver will keep the time they are within 1 metre of you to an absolute minimum.

Please watch our videos for information and advice for travelling on the bus during the coronavirus situation:
	Travel safely on our buses: Social distancing and travel information: Video ⇒
	Face coverings: Video ⇒
	First Bus App: Know where your bus is and how many seats are available: Video ⇒

What steps is First Bus taking to maximise social distancing, at stops and on board?
On our buses we are operating at a reduced capacity with around 1 in 2 seats being available. It is therefore likely that that you might see ‘Bus Full’ signs as some services reach their revised capacity more quickly.

If you are waiting at a bus stop and the bus drives past, it is likely it has reached its reduced seating capacity. If the bus does stop, but is near capacity, the driver will only allow one person to board for every person that gets off, so you may need to allow extra time for your journey and be prepared to wait. With the latest version of the First Bus App you can now track your bus live on a map and it also displays how many seats are available on each bus.

In addition, you will also see further measures in place to help you to adhere to social distancing guidelines. These include:

New capacity signs by the entrance of each bus
Seat signs and tape to clearly show where you should/shouldn’t sit to maintain a safe distance
Reminders to be considerate of other passengers
No longer allowing standing

Seat signs will show where you shouldn't sit:

Capacity signs by the entrance of our buses. This will show the maximum passenger capacity for each bus:

What should passengers do to socially distance, at stops and on board the bus?

	Only travel by bus if your journey is essential
	Plan your travel in advance, avoiding peak periods
	Wear a face covering when on board
	Sit in a window seat, leaving an empty row of seats in front and behind
	On our double deckers, consider sitting upstairs (if you are able)
	Pay with contactless or purchasing your ticket in advance on our Mobile App
	Use the correct change if you must pay by cash
	No eating or drinking while on board
	Leave windows open to aid ventilation

We use your feedback

Are you a key worker? Please tell us if you are concerned that our service changes don't meet your needs.

Customer Services

You can contact our customer services team between 7am and 7pm, 7 days a week.

Please be advised that our operators may be busy due to increased volume of enquiries but will do their best to assist you.

For our general information please see our main Coronavirus information page »

Methods of Payment

Remember all fares can be paid for via contactless (no minimum spend) or purchase tickets via our mobile app where possible, download the app here.

Please note that during this time we do still accept cash payment.

Ticket Refund Queries

At present, our services are still operating and tickets purchased are in line with our Conditions of Travel. However, the latest guidance on ticket status can be viewed on our help and information page here. (FAQ section)

First Bus app users - email mticket-support@firstgroup.com (7am – 10pm, seven days a week)

Lost Property

If you have lost something on board one of our buses, please contact our team on 0345 646 0707.

Our drivers collect all lost property found on our buses and return it to their depot, but it can take up to 3 working days to register lost property items on our system.

Due to government advice regarding non essential travel, collection of items is strictly by appointment only and walk ins will not be accepted or permitted. We ask that you reserve this time for collection of essential items only, such as lost medication or wallet. This is due to our team operating only on a skeleton staff basis.

Motherwell Travel Shop

Please be advised that the above lost property process applies to our Motherwell Travel Shop which, following government advise, will no longer be open to customers.

Customers who wish to purchase a ticket can do so via the First Bus mobile app, which can be downloaded in your app or google play store.

Important information and links:

Please visit the NHS website for up to date information on Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Click here for more.

The latest information on the current situation can be found online and is updated by the Scottish Government.

Click here for more.

Thank you

We want to thank you for your continued support and understanding. This is essential as we work together to maintain safe travel across our networks for those who need it.

Here’s a short video we’ve created to highlight the additional safety measures we have introduced to keep our passengers and staff safe.