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BUS bosses have announced a reduced timetable will launch in Glasgow tomorrow to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Services operated by First Glasgow will run to a broadly Sunday timetable level but with additional journeys earlier in the morning to sustain services for those key workers and emergency service staff who need to make “essential” journeys.

The company has said it is committed to continuing services “wherever possible” so that those who need to make journeys such as for food shopping or, if they are a “critical” worker, to get to their place of employment, can continue to do so.

Some passengers have raised concerns over the reduced service, however, and say they are worried about being able to make it to work in time.

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Robert Richardson, 62, said: “People don’t know what is happening and we are hearing it second hand from drivers a lot of the time.

“They don’t even know and bosses at First Glasgow don’t seem to be keeping anyone informed.

“If the services aren’t running for essential workers, then it does mean walking in. A couple of my colleagues have actually been stopped by the police already asking them where they are going.

“We have been issued with a letter to keep on our possession to tell people why we are leaving the house.

“People who work in the NHS are the ones who rely on public transport and still need to be able to make it into work at all hours.”

The announcement comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus, including advice that people should leave home only to exercise once a day, travel to and from work where “absolutely necessary,” shop for essential items or to fulfil any medical or care needs.

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Andrew Jarvis, managing director of First Glasgow, said: “With much of the UK effectively ordered to stay at home for at least the next few weeks, we have made the decision to move to a reduced service timetable to support those who still need to get to and from work and get out to shops and pharmacies, whilst fulfilling our own role as vital key workers during this time of national crisis.

“Regular customers can be assured we will endeavour to get more frequent services back up and running as soon as the Government decides it is safe to do so.”

People are advised to refer to the First Glasgow website for the most up-to-date service information and travel advice. It is available at www.firstgroup.com/greater-glasgow/news-and-service-updates/coronavirus-covid19-service-information.