BLOG

Preparing for a return to coaching

MET is preparing for a safe return to coaching

MET has always taken pride in the preparation of our coaches before any customers come near the vehicle. Each coach is meticulously washed outside and thoroughly cleaned inside. Our vehicles are regularly maintained and serviced too, ensuring your complete comfort and safety.

Covid-19 has presented an incredible challenge to us all. At MET, our coaching operations have all but ceased. However, we are a strong company and will ride out this particular storm and are ready to serve our customers again.

Preparing for a new reality in coaching

Just like aviation and other private or public transport operations, Covid-19 has imposed significant restrictions on how we operate, both now and in the immediate future. 

Social distancing, even relaxed at 1m, still presents considerable challenges to operators. The most notable response has been – ‘wear a mask’ and be vigilant. This all sounds good as we are keen to get moving again, but what does this really mean to a company like MET and in how it convinces its clients that it really is safe?

It starts with a plan

Our team has left no stone unturned in reviewing each and every aspect of our operation. We look closely at:

• Specific risks to passengers
• Risks to drivers
• What the specific hazards are in each case
• What information and guidance has been given by the government and medical authorities in each case
• What separation measures are possible and what are practical on board a coach
• What actions we can take to protect the drivers
• What actions we can take to protect the passengers and reduce interaction
• A system to assist drivers maintain good hygiene 
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitising regimes.

To help communicate and educate our drivers, making it part of their daily lives, we have prepared materials that continually remind them of the responsibility they have in keeping our passengers safe.

Examples of the measures we have taken.

Our risk assessments have identified many separate measures we will take in achieving our goal of returning to passenger transport safely. 

Our entire coach depot has been carefully mapped out rather like a production line, showing where Covid-19 messaging is placed, where drivers can use the conveniences, take their breaks and where protective screens have been placed. We’re are also making changes to our office procedures, minimising the use of paper and personal contact along with the use of screens to protect customers and staff too.

Onboard our coaches we have installed the following protective measures:

• Availability and use of face masks.
• Sanitiser availability.
• Well marked seating plans to maintain distance requirements.
• The use of passenger only doors to avoid proximity with the drivers.
• Baggage handling precautions.
• Signage to help remind passengers of the precautions to take.
• Sanitising of all “touch points” between journeys
• Daily, complete virus possibility with use of specialised disinfectant fogging machinery. 

We wish to assure you that coach travel is safe again

Just like the government, we take our advice direct from the front line medical authorities, monitoring carefully, the announcements, advice and guidance.

We believe that as we return, coach travel will once again be the safest and most reliable way to get larger parties of people moving again; whether for schools, private hire for events  or for corporate needs, such as company shuttle services. We can offer a compete range of services to fulfil your group travel needs.

You can trust in MET.