Drivers from leading coach operator Bakers Dolphin are delighted to be back on the road doing what they love – taking travellers on much-needed short trips and holidays all over the UK.

At the end of July the company, based in Weston-super-Mare, took a coach of people on a scenic day tour to the North Devon coast, the firm’s first commercial outing since March, because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

By the end of this month, a further 16 holidays will have been completed.

Satisfied customers have taken to social media to express their delight in being able to take a badly-needed break.

One said:

“I’m really glad you are back. I really enjoyed the trip. The driver was really nice and friendly. I’d rather go with you as I have done before, I don’t want to go with anyone else. I also wish to say it was very clean and safe to travel with you.”

Unsurprisingly, a range of new measures designed to protect passengers and staff from the risk of Covid-19 have been introduced.

Sales and marketing Director Amanda Harrington said:

“We’ve waited a long time to be able to take passengers away again, and it’s extremely gratifying to get such positive feedback.

“We have introduced additional intervention measures in our procedures and on our vehicles, adding air filtration systems which reduce the amount of pollutants in the air, as well as enforcing the wearing of face coverings and reducing vehicle capacities to aid social distancing.

“We want to encourage people back on board and assure them that they can travel safely in style and comfort. We believe that our coaches are as safe as they can possibly be.”

Social distancing restrictions mean that Bakers Dolphin has had to reduce the capacity on its coaches for the forthcoming holidays, but there are still seats available for some September holidays.

Bakers Dolphin, has been awarded VisitEngland’s new ‘We’re Good To Go’ charter mark in recognition of it complying with all COVID-19 Government and public health guidance.

The company’s fleet of 70 vehicles has stood idle for months because of the pandemic and Amanda said her drivers have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get back behind the wheel and help people make memories.

Many of the company’s 100 employees have been furloughed during the lockdown, with some of its drivers working as back-up staff for Bristol Ambulance EMS across the region.

For details of all the holidays currently available, please visit www.bakersdolphin.com