What does it mean to go back to work safely post-lockdown?

COVID-19 has taught us the importance of social distancing in a way we have never imagined before. Indeed, keeping a 2-metre distance between us and other people has become the norm for the foreseeable future.

What does that mean for all the people using public transportation to get to work? On a normal day, the tube, buses and trains carry hundreds of thousands of people into London and the level of density in those tubes and trains does not allow for 2-metre social distancing.

After weeks or months of staying home and practising social distancing to halt the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it is not difficult to understand that many people will be wary of sitting or standing on overcrowded trains, tubes or buses in order to get to work. So what are our options to get back to work safely?

Getting back to work safely: solutions and ideas

If social distancing is still encouraged after the official easing of some lockdown restrictions, what are our options to get back to work while respecting the government’s recommendations? Do we dare take public transportation, hoping it is not too crowded?

We have been thinking about it here at Anderson Travel and have found what we think is the best solution: hire a coach. Companies might want to hire coaches for the exclusive use of employees for the journey to and from work. While this solution may incur an additional expense at a time when many companies are concerned about cash flow, the safety and peace-of-mind it provides to all employees certainly makes it a viable option.

We have adapted our operations to comply with the strictest sanitation standards as well as the UK government guidelines relating to social distancing. The best example we have is our 49-seater that is being transformed into a 25-seater allowing for a wide enough gap between passengers. We also provide hand sanitiser onboard & ensure that each coach is thoroughly disinfected before and after a service.

 

This solution would allow employees to be picked up at their homes or a convenient location nearby to be brought into work without compromising their safety, thus complying with social-distancing guidelines while ensuring the company does not suffer from lack of employees. A win-win situation all around!

What do we know about it?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.  In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. The most recently discovered coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2 that causes an illness known as COVID-19.

This new version of the coronavirus was first documented in China in December 2019.

 

What should we do to protect ourselves against it?

• Clean your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Why? These substances kill viruses & bacteria, thus limiting the potential spread of this and any other harmful bacteria & viruses on your hands.

• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? The virus is thought to spread from person to person by droplets. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as colds, flus and this latest version of coronavirus.

 

What are the consequences for the travel industry?

The outbreak of this new version of coronavirus has interrupted the free mobility of people, especially when coming from areas that are particularly affected by the virus. Because of this, many travel restrictions have been put in place to limit the spread of the virus. This has meant that many tourism-related companies have seen many of their bookings cancelled, as well as few bookings coming in for the future. The economic impact has been quite significant already, with industries in various sectors being affected by the drop in consumer spending & travel, staff shortages, and quarantines & travel restrictions being imposed by various governments. On an individual level, there has also been general concern about shortages of food and essential hygiene products.

 

What should coach operators do to minimise the risk of COVID-19?

Amid the fear and confusion, it is important to remember that some simple steps can dramatically decrease the risk of catching the new version of the coronavirus. Coach operators must be careful to clean and disinfect coaches between jobs, something that should be done regularly in any case. They should also make sure their drivers and employees respect the recommendations listed above to limit the risk of spread of this and any other viruses. They should also help to disseminate accurate information to their customers from reputable, expert sources such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) rather than mass media.

 

The travel and tourism industry has experienced very difficult periods in the past and has always managed to pull through. The coming months will be challenging but we at Anderson Travel are prepared to take the necessary measures to take on this challenge and come out of it stronger than before.

What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone?

The London Low Emission Zone is a traffic pollution charge scheme with the aim of reducing the exhaust gas emissions of diesel-powered vehicles in London.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone, introduced in April 2019, applies to all vehicles in central London.

The aim of these zones is to help improve air quality and the health of Londoners.

When, why and to where is the ULEZ going to be extended?

From 25 October 2021, the ULEZ boundary will be extended to create a single larger zone bounded by the North and South Circular Roads. Any petrol or diesel vehicle being driven within this greater London zone will need to meet the tighter emissions standards or pay a daily charge.

The expansion of the ULEZ perimeter was decided by Mayor Sadiq Khan to further improve the air quality of the Capital and offer a better experience to residents and tourists alike. The charges collected from the ULEZ scheme will go towards public transportation improvements and cycle paths with the aim of reducing the number of vehicles in the centre of London, thus lowering pollution levels.

What does it mean for larger vehicles?

Larger vehicles such as coaches must follow strict standards to be able to drive in the ULEZ. The main standard for coaches is to have Euro6 compliant engines, which is a framework for keeping the levels of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides & particulate matter emissions under specific, low levels.

Coach operators are charged £100 per day per vehicle if their vehicles are not Euro6 compliant.

How to check if my coach operator is ULEZ compliant?

Now that you know about the ULEZ, you can make an informed decision about the type of vehicle you want to hire. You might want to ask your coach operator if their vehicles are Euro6 compliant, so you know whether you are hiring a green, eco-friendly option or not. If the coach you are hiring is Euro6 compliant, then you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are using one of the best options for transport when it comes to lowering any harmful impact on the environment in line with the industry’s current standards.

 

At Anderson Travel, we have upgraded all our vehicles to meet the strictest Euro6 standards to offer the best quality service while curbing any negative impact on the environment and human health.

Brexit: What Is Changing in 2020?

We have officially started a new era as a country, one that is no longer part of the European Union. While this will mean many changes in the future, 2020 will very much remain the same. Indeed, as a transition year, 2020 will see little to no changes in how we operate as a country and how we travel to European countries.

What Does Brexit Mean for the Coach Industry?

There aren’t any changes being implemented right away, but we can anticipate some small changes in the near future, particularly when it comes to the documentation needed inside the coaches for trips to the continent. Many of the details regarding any changes in legislation or agreements with the EU will be released as the year progresses.

What about Inbound Travel?

Inbound travel will remain the same in 2020. The government is looking at implementing a new immigration system for which travellers will be required to have a passport rather than an ID card to enter the country. However, this will not be put into effect before 2021, along with the new immigration policies relating to residency. Most European citizens in the UK have the option to apply to the Pre-Settlement Scheme to remain in the UK for at least 4 years.

When it comes to regular tourists, the rules remain unchanged for now, with Europeans being able to travel to the UK in 2020 with their ID cards or passports.

 

In conclusion, Brexit will certainly bring many changes to the UK, but 2020 will be a transition year that will see only minor changes being made. The government is also keeping their website (www.gov.uk) up-to-date, offering the most reliable source of information on any major changes occurring from now onwards. We will also keep you updated on any changes that are relevant to our industry.

A Retrospective of 2019

The last 30 years have seen Anderson Travel grow from a one-man operation to a professional business offering not only coach hire services but also tailor-made tours and scheduled tours to tourists and companies coming to the UK. We have grown to become an experienced DMC for the UK and London. When we look back at 2019, we remember all the achievements our team has accomplished: new vehicles growing our fleet to around 40 vehicles across 2 bases, our partnerships with different sports teams that we have transported to victory, the creation of this blog to share tips with our customers on how to better navigate the coach & travel industry, the challenges we have faced together and so much more. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without our customers, so thank you to all of you for another great year! May the year and decade ahead be as amazing as the last few have been!

 

What Is New in 2020?

We are proud to be welcoming at least 3 new vehicles to our fleet in 2020, brand new 19-seaters offering superior comfort to our smaller groups. We have also completed the transformation of one of our 57-seaters into a 35-seater premium coach, bringing the number of tabled coaches in our platinum class fleet to 4, with each of them offering the full range of luxury amenities. We also welcome the newest member of our reservations team to our central London office, Indira, who is here to offer you helpful, efficient & friendly customer service along with the rest of the team.

Brexit is also the subject on everyone’s minds, but we will dedicate a separate article to it and keep you updated on any changes it brings for our industry.

 

Happy New Year from us at Anderson Travel; may 2020 be prosperous and filled with happiness!

What is it all about?

Our 35-seat platinum coach is much more than just a coach. Fully equipped and with a design that offers comfort and luxury, this coach is the perfect means of transport to get to your destination feeling rested and like a royal.

Mostly used by sporting teams, this coach is also very popular for corporate hire as it allows for working space tables throughout, WiFi onboard and enough USB ports to connect & charge all your devices. The kitchenette is also perfect for snacks & to keep your group well caffeinated until you reach your destination. If you are a sporting team, the pull-down physiotherapy table is an added bonus for pre- and post-match treatments.

 

What is the coach equipped with?

As mentioned above, this coach is fully equipped with WiFi, tables and USB ports throughout. There is also a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, coffee maker and kettle to keep you comfortable and productive during the journey. The coach features TV screens with USB ports to work on your big presentation or keep up with the news while working, along with reclining seats for resting. The usual equipment can also be found, such as air-conditioning, PA system with microphone, and a large luggage capacity.

 

All in all, it is the most luxurious experience coach hire has to offer!

 

So, what are you waiting for? Make a booking today with our friendly team.

Things to consider when planning your company’s Christmas party

Organising the office Christmas party can cause some headaches. Figuring out everybody’s dietary requirements and alcohol preferences can take some time. Because of this, we tend to forget about what happens after the event. How will everyone get home? Is the party location in a well-connected area in terms of public transportation & will this be available late at night? Have we considered the distance to certain neighbourhoods and the cost of taxi fares for staff? When your colleagues start to joke about booking a hotel close to the party location to avoid travelling home after what will undoubtedly be a big night, it might be time to start looking into private, group transport options.

 

Why should you consider hiring a coach for your Christmas party?

Hiring a coach for your Christmas party is the most convenient solution to take your colleagues to the party and have them depart the party safely. Office Christmas parties are notorious for being the night where all staff members are given a free pass to fully enjoy themselves. This means that arranging some form of transportation at the end of the evening is a good idea to help your staff to get home safely. After all, there is nothing more nerve-wracking than seeing a colleague take the wheel after a few too many drinks or worrying if your tired friends will be able to find their way home. This is where hiring a coach can help. Hiring a coach allows you to set up a route to bring everyone back home safely in an economical way. Indeed, hiring a coach is certainly less expensive than ordering many taxis at the end of the night.

We provide minibuses & coaches for hundreds of groups arriving into London airports and are often asked for information regarding the meeting procedure. The easiest way to ensure a smooth meet-up if you are unfamiliar with Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) Airports & their procedures is to book a meet-and-greet service with us and be met by one of our friendly, experienced members of staff as you come through to the arrivals area inside the airport. However, if you would prefer not to do this for budgetary or other reasons, here is a detailed guide for your group leader to follow on how to ensure your group meets up with the coach & driver successfully at Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport:

 

STEP 1: Finding the coach pickup area

Upon your arrival at Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport, once your group have all their luggage, proceed together through to the arrivals hall & onwards to the coach & bus pick-up area outside the terminal. Follow the signs to find the designated onward travel coach pick-up points or ask the information desk inside the terminal if you are unsure of where this is. There are also helpful maps & other useful information on the Heathrow Airport website: https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/buses-and-coaches/group-travel-by-coach

 

STEP 2: Locating the coach marshal

Once you are in the coach & bus pick-up area outside the terminal, try to locate a coach marshal. This is an airport employee who will be wearing a high-visibility jacket. Provide him/her with your arrival flight number & our company name (Anderson Travel). The coach marshal will then call through to the coach park, which is located a short distance from the main airport buildings – at the West Ramp in the case of Heathrow Airport. If you cannot find a coach marshal & can’t see any Anderson Travel coach waiting in the coach bays, please call +44 (0)7814 246 995 if Heathrow Airport or +44 (0)1293 502392 if Gatwick Airport to get the coach released from the coach park. You can also head back inside the terminal to an airport information desk and they will help call through to the coach controller at the coach park to release the coach.

 

STEP 3: Waiting for your coach

Once you have reached the coach controller at the coach park through one of these methods, he/she will release the coach from the coach park to drive up to the coach charter bays to collect your group. Kindly note that only the coach controller at the coach park can decide when a coach can be released to drive up and collect a group. During quiet times, the coach might be released when the luggage from your group’s flight is on the carousel and already be waiting when you get to the coach & bus pick-up bays before you report to a coach marshal, but at other times you may need to wait a while even after speaking to a coach marshal for the coach to arrive. When to release the coach is the sole decision of the coach controller and we have no control over this process.