Numerous Stagecoach bus services in Thanet have been cancelled today as the firm struggles with a staffing shortage.
Bus services in Thanet and further afield have been hit by drivers having to isolate due to Test and Trace. Even the open-top bus, which runs between Ramsgate Boating Pool and Broadstairs Stone Bay, has had its timetable reduced for the rest of the season.
The issue has been a problem for some two months now.
Cancelled services today include routes for the Loop and numbers 8 and 32.
A spokesman for Stagecoach South East previously said: “Like many businesses, we’re dealing with staff shortages at this time, with some colleagues needing to self-isolate as a result of being contacted through Test and Trace.
“In cases where there is an impact on our services, we are providing live updates to our customers through our app, website and our Twitter feed @StagecoachSE.
“At a time when Covid-19 is continuing to impact the shape of transport services, we need to make the best use of resources to ensure the widest benefit in our community.”
Had it from a driver is not pings it’s drivers leaving due to working conditions.
It’s not Test and Trace that’s the problem.
It’s the rising number of covid cases.
Don’t shoot the messenger.
But if people get the jab then the cases & deaths go down-that was what they promised.
Thanet has a great bus service and like all business people take time off sick even with cancellations there are still multiple buses each hour
If only the Test and Trace system had actually worked early on during the pandemic. Lots of people were off work anyway. And it would have saved many lives. But it was poorly organised and barely functioned.
NOW it’s started to work a bit and we are seeing how it is beginning to hamper “back to work” calls , just as the government wants to project an image of success.
Too little , too late. Now it just seems to be a pain, not a protection.
Like I say, this should have been how it worked months ago when it would have sent people home to save their lives. But thousands have died needlessly because the scheme just didn’t function.
Many people now are not wearing masks on the buses, some not wearing them correctly.