The government’s policy has been to reassure the public that public transport is safe to use, even in the context of current restrictions. Our message has been that the public must adhere to the ‘Stay Home’ guidance, other than for essential journeys; but where essential journeys must be undertaken, it is safe for them to be undertaken on public transport, provided that Government safety guidance is followed. As restrictions lift, we will work with operators and local authorities through a range of stakeholder engagement channels to reinforce the message that public transport is safe to use. Going forward, the government’s forthcoming National Bus Strategy will focus on the needs of passengers so that more people want to use the bus, and will set out how national and local government and the private sector will come together to serve local communities. The Department for Transport recognises that buses will continue to play a significant role in helping the economy meet our net zero ambitions and improve air quality. As set out in the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution and Spending Review 2020, the Government will invest £120m in 2021–22 to start the delivery of the 4,000 zero emission buses announced by the Prime Minister last year. Further details on how the first year of funding for the 4,000 zero emission buses will be distributed will be announced in the spring. The Government is currently providing up to £27.3m per week of emergency bus funding through the covid-19 Bus Services Support Grant (CBSSG) scheme. This funding will continue until it is agreed that it is no longer needed. The government will work with operators and local authorities to ensure that the transition from emergency CBSSG funding to long-term recovery is timed appropriately.