Chatting in front of their squeaky-clean double-deckers at a deserted bus stand, two bus drivers are waiting for passengers who never arrive.

Even though the doors are open and the services are running like clockwork, theres barely a passer-by at the interchange in Warwick. Both drivers, however, spoke of their continued love for the job despite the Covid-19 pandemic and Government lockdown bringing the country to a near-halt.

They are currently driving spotless double-deckers for Stagecoach Midlands, which is operating an enhanced Sunday service in response to the restrictions and social distancing measures.

In normal times, Matt would serve a total of around 150 passengers on his bus in the course of a day on the roads in Coventry and Warwickshire. At present, the total number is around 20.

We still enjoy driving, despite the fact its very, very quiet, he said.

Were constantly running early and even the rush hour is dead.

Ive never driven a bus in conditions as quiet as they are now, but I still love it. I still have that passion for my job, whether its busy or whether its quiet.

Bus drivers have a hardy reputation for keeping going through sleet, snow and ice and its said that not even the Luftwaffe managed to stop Londons services during World War Two. Its something the key workers are aware of as they ease along deserted roads in Coventry and Warwickshire.

They spoke on Thursday, the day before the Government announced it will cover the losses of bus companies in England for the next three months so they can stay on the road. A new 167million fund is intended to ensure that key workers in the NHS, who will be able to hop on and off for free, and other public services can get to work and people can make essential journeys, such as to pick up food.

Matt, who became a bus driver after passing his driving test as a teenager, spoke as he stood beside his empty double-decker at the collection of stands.

Bus drivers have been running services through rain, sun, sleet, snow and war, he said.

Well be out in World War Three if we have to. We like to keep the service going, especially to help elderly and vulnerable people to get out, and we feel more valued now were known as key workers.

Well keep going as long as there isnt a complete lockdown.

Despite wanting to help less mobile members of the community, the drivers have noticed not all trips appear to fall into the definition of essential travel as laid down by the Government.

Matts colleague Rachel said: We do see people going out for a bit of a jolly, getting on for a couple of stops before getting off again. I think the stay-at-home message needs to be pushed a bit harder.

But there are still people who genuinely need us and its nice to feel valued after a days work.

The drivers have been given hand gel and gloves by Stagecoach, though Matt was choosing to wear a sturdier pair he had brought from home.

Rachel said: I love my job. You hear drivers complaining or saying they end up talking to themselves when theres nobody to make conversation with, but I still enjoy driving.

"We are two drivers who love our jobs, there are others who don't. It can be lonely and dispiriting when theres nobody on your bus but its not going to stay that way forever. People will eventually be allowed back out, and they will be allowed back onto the buses.

"Its not the end of the world.

Stagecoach has told customers that it is running revised services based on the latest Government guidelines. Passengers have been asked to practise social distancing by sitting alone where possible, using contactless payments and taking newspapers home.

*Matt and Rachel were speaking under assumed names as they had not been given permission by Stagecoach to give this interview

Go here to see the original:

'We'll be out in WW3 if we have to' - bus drivers vow to plough on - Coventry Telegraph