FirstGroup PLC (LON:FGP) said it is enhancing its online offering as part of its strategy to ensure social distancing on its buses.
The transport firm is providing a live tracking feature on its app for customers to check in real time how full each bus is, as well as encouraging the purchase of digital tickets to avoid contact between passengers and drivers.
READ: FirstGroup strengthens cash buffer to £800mln with government loans
As of Tuesday, the firm said it had £770mln in undrawn committed headroom and free cash.
The FTSE 250-listed company also welcomed a new round of state funding to support England’s bus network increasing its services and safety measures.
The Department for Transport has allocated £254mln for buses for an initial 12-week period backdated to 12 May.
Bus operators can claim the difference between their revenue from passenger and other non-tendered contractual sources and the costs of operating the services, such as operational costs and pension funding.
Operators will agree with local authorities the level of service to provide in each area to meet local demand.
Shares advanced 7% to 60.93p on Thursday mid-morning.
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