Stagecoach buses will resume giving change to passengers next week

Cash payment for fares in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Peterborough is currently exact fare only but the company said today (August 28) that this will end on September 1.

The temporary change of policy to only allowing exact fares in cash was brought in as a response to the Covid-19 situation.

Any additional cash received as a result of not giving change is being donated to the The Captain Tom Foundation, which supports hospices, combating loneliness and those facing bereavement, a current total to date of over £11,000.

Stagecoach is still asking customers to use contactless, mobile, pre-payment methods or have exact change for their fare wherever where possible but from 1 September will be giving out change where it’s needed.

Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director for Stagecoach East said: “We would like to thank our customers for their help in keeping our drivers and their fellow passengers safe during this difficult time.

“Many customers have found it easy and convenient to pay for their journey using contactless or by mobile and we would encourage customers to continue to do so where possible.

“We are very pleased that this money will be going to support such a worthy local cause.”

Stagecoach said it has put a range of measures in place to help passengers and staff feel safe and confident in using its services. All bus, tram and coach services have been accredited with Visit Britain’s “We’re Good to Go” official mark, recognising the work carried out to meet government and industry Covid-19 guidelines and the processes in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

The comprehensive regime includes daily deep cleans and contactless payments, in addition to the government’s mandatory use of face coverings.