PRENTICE Buses, based in Haddington, is offering free travel for all NHS workers on its 111 route which serves East Lothian Community Hospital and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The initiative started last Wednesday (April 1) and will run until further notice.

Prentice said the move was introduced “in recognition of the outstanding work being carried out by the NHS at this time”.

NHS workers wanting to use the service are asked to show their NHS ID to the driver when they board the bus.

Ross Prentice, managing director, said: “It was a relatively easy decision and we just felt like it was the reasonable thing to do. It’s a small gesture but it’s a reasonable thing to try and do for the staff, they’re there putting a lot on the line every day.

“Doing something small like this, it all adds up.”

Prentice has also withdrawn the majority of its services in light of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Its 101, 118, 122 and 69 services are no longer running until further notice.

The only service to operate as normal is the 111X service.

The 108 and 110 and 111 services will also be operating but on a temporary timetable.

Mr Prentice said: “We are still running a reasonable service on key routes to try and get key workers and various others to the places they need; it’s challenging times.

“Our drivers are coping well at the moment and I am keeping everyone employed.

“I’ve told two or three people to go home as they were approaching the vulnerable group.

“The majority of the staff are still working and all are getting paid a Saturday rate [higher than normal]. We appreciate what they are doing.

“Hopefully we all come through this.”

For more information visit prentice.info