Tring coach company prepares to welcome passengers back safely

Masons Minibus and Coach Hire Ltd is based on the borders of Herts, Beds and Bucks
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A coach company in Long Marston, near Tring, is looking forward to welcoming passengers back next week.

Masons Minibus and Coach Hire Ltd is getting ready to roll from Saturday, April 17, starting with outdoor events.

And from May 17, in line with the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown, they are hoping to cater for transport to indoor attractions and holidays as well.

Masons is a family business founded by Andy Mason in 1988, his sons James and Matt and James' wife Candice are all involved in the running of the company.

The company's priority is the safety of their passengers and staff and have made a number of changes on board and the way they operate to ensure it is a safe environment.

Candice said: "It is such a relief to know that we can get our wheels turning. There is a video on YouTube of the guidelines we have in place.

"The Key date for us is 21 June, if the social restrictions are lifted, we can operate at a viable capacity. From this point on, all being well, we are anticipating a booming summer!

Some of the guidelines from MasonsSome of the guidelines from Masons
Some of the guidelines from Masons

"Were also looking at adding more holidays throughout the year, with a surge in bookings and a message to stay cation in the UK this leaves us in a strong position.

"Also with the costs I’ve seen on holidays in the UK we aim to offer a consistently cost effective option. For all our holidays DBB and excursions are included so all people need is there spending money!

"With a government focus on being greener, did you know one coach can keep up to 50 cars off the road and if everyone made just a 15% increase in coach travel would mean 47 million fewer cars on our road reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over a quarter of a million tonnes!"

Last week, the coach industry set out its plan for an ambitious recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, including grants to help tours get underway as soon as next month and kick start the UK tourism economy.

Masons prepares to welcome passengers back safelyMasons prepares to welcome passengers back safely
Masons prepares to welcome passengers back safely

With lockdown restrictions set to gradually ease, coach tourism can restart this summer giving the industry an opportunity to play a leading role in the UK’s economic recovery

The biggest part of their plan is for a £150million grant-based scheme to be created to support English and Welsh operators start up again. Similar schemes have already been created in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Another part of the recovery plan for the industry is to have Government backed campaigns to promote coach travel.

Masons Minibus and Coach Hire has previously shared its frustration at being left out of Government support packages.

Passengers on a coach when Masons re-opened last year after lockdownPassengers on a coach when Masons re-opened last year after lockdown
Passengers on a coach when Masons re-opened last year after lockdown

Candice added: "We are not getting the help from the government so we have to help ourselves.

"We sit right between the tourism department and the transport industry so that is probably why we have been missed out.

"Coach travel really is one of the safest modes of transport this summer.

"So unlike public transport, we go from one location to another with one group of people.

"There is no changing and swapping that happens on trains or buses.

"And after every journey we deep clean ahead of the next trip."

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