FIRST Buses has announced a new timetable which goes live today.

First Wessex said it welcomed the announcement by the Department for Transport of financial support for crucial services provided by regional bus operators in England such as First Wessex.

A spokesman said: "Buses are an important part of England’s critical infrastructure and economy.

"During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic they are particularly essential in supporting key workers getting to work.

"This new funding could total £167m across the industry and completes a comprehensive package of measures for supporting vital bus services at the current time.

First Wessex will implement a revised timetable from Sunday April 5o reflect the level of demand for its bus services. The changes include:

• Wessex 1 - Revised to operate every 30 mins.

• Wessex 2 - Revised timetable

• Wessex 4 - A limited service reinstated to run Monday-Saturday only.

• Wessex 8 - A limited service reinstated to run Monday-Saturday only.

• Wessex 10 - Revised timetable.

• Jurassic Coaster X51 - A limited service reinstated to run Monday-Saturday only.

The bus operator advises that all other services are suspended.

It also reminds customers to refrain from all but essential travel and to look on the First Wessex website www.firstgroup.com/wessex for up-to-date timetables before travelling as journey planner and real-time information displays may show incorrect information for an interim period.

The company is working hard to reflect the latest service information across all its digital channels.

Marc Reddy, managing Director for First Wessex said: We welcome the announcement from the Department of Transport. Our role as a bus operator has perhaps never been more important than now, as we perform a vital service in enabling key workers to move about as the nation comes together to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

"While many other businesses can make the difficult decision to close their doors, buses are different; the national effort to fight the virus continues to include the provision of our services for key workers.

"We are proud to serve our customers and proud of our drivers, engineers and all other staff delivering these vital services during these challenging times.”

He added: “This announcement enables First Wessex to ensure continuity of operation for those who are dependent on the bus network during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, particularly key workers.

"Following feedback from key workers, we are introducing some changes to our timetable which will take effect from today, Sunday 5 April.”

Over recent weeks, the bus operator has intensified its cleaning regimes across vehicles and depots, embedded social distancing measures and, despite supply chain challenges, provided a wealth of personal protective equipment such as gloves and hand sanitiser to staff.