CAPACITY has increased on vehicles operated by First Bus following updated guidance from the government.

Last week, the Scottish Government confirmed that while two-metre social distancing remains the law, exceptions will be allowed on public transport and in retail settings once appropriate mitigations are in place.

First Bus this week confirmed it has, in turn, updated layouts and signage on its vehicles, informing customers that there are additional seats available on board.

Andrew Jarvis, managing director of First Bus in Scotland, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming back more customers over the coming weeks and months.

"Whilst capacity will be more limited than before coronavirus, we will have many more seats available than in recent weeks.

"We know that this additional capacity will be a great relief to some commuters, as well as customers considering their first journeys for leisure purposes.

"We are grateful to all our customers for adhering to our on board measures and thank them for their support so far."

The company says all the changes are based on robust and detailed rusk assessments to ensure safety.

There is an enhanced cleaning regime in place and customers are able to track, live via the First Bus smartphone application, not only where the next bus is along the route, but the capacity in real time – inducing wheelchair spaces.

Face coverings remain mandatory on public transport.