"While social distancing is in place and sections of society remain closed, we welcome the Government's continued support to keeping these critical services running.
"With enhanced cleaning of our buses, mandatory wearing of face coverings, and guidance on social distancing and hygiene, customers can travel safely and with confidence on our services."
FirstGroup also welcomed the funding extension under the Covid-19 Bus Service Support Grant Restart programme, which was first launched in May, plus the continuing pledge for funding where needed.
"This commitment, on substantially the same terms as previously announced, demonstrates the value placed on bus services to support the restart of local economies, get people back to work and children back to school from September," the company said.
First said the first tranche of the programme had allowed the industry to increase its capacity levels while maintaining social distancing on board. First Bus's mileage has risen from 40% to nearly 90% of pre-Covid levels but passenger volumes were still only around 40%, compared wtih 10% at the low point.
First also welcomed the Scottish government’s announcement of an additional £68m to extend to 8 November its equivalent to the English bailout.
Commenting on the announcements, FirstGroup Chief Executive Matthew Gregory said:
"The further funding packages confirmed by the UK and Scottish Governments enable us to keep people travelling safely on our essential services, allowing social distancing to be maintained on our vehicles. Bus networks are vitally important to local economies, both now as people return to education and workplaces, and in the future as they offer a sustainable transport alternative to the car."
