This is what Stagecoach bosses think will be the 'new normal' as company plans for post-lockdown travel

Stagecoach has said it is looking towards the ‘new normal’ as it calls for support, cash and long-term changes to help reboot the region's economies and protect communities.

It has said the outbreak of Covid-19 should be a ‘defining moment’ that transforms society for the better, and asks for a joint strategy between the industry and Government to secure public transport networks as the country leaves lockdown.

Chief executive Martin Griffiths also said it should create a legacy honouring key workers who have lost their lives during the pandemic and said there is a chance for change, with fewer cars on the roads, safer streets, cleaner air and less damage to our environment.

He said: "The lockdown has shown how much the country is missing human contact.

“Buses provide that essential daily social link, helping combat loneliness and hidden mental health challenges.

"There is no reason why we all cannot return to safely using Britain's most important public transport mode.”

Its six points are:

*A plan to move from the lockdown to support the country’s recovery, rebuilding confidence in mass transit, a move away from peak-time commuting to spread demand and support as passenger numbers grow with a 20% drop in passenger numbers predicted.

*Street space prioritised for walking, cycling and public transport over cars, with public mobility hubs over private car parking spaces on new housing developments and electric charging points.

*Delivering the Government's levelling up agenda for regions outside London, including a rethink on high streets, promote local spending, new attractions and use public transport to bring in shoppers and visitors in an environmentally-friendly way.

*Lifestyle changes, particularly around travel, and a focus on technology to address transport emissions.

*Re-examine fiscal policy as the Government considers how to pay for the coronavirus pandemic and a transformation in how transport journeys are taxed.

*Targeted investment in decarbonisation to help restart the economy, put Britain at the forefront of the green revolution and speed up recovery, using Britain's world-class bus manufacturing firms to make electric bus fleets.

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