Bus service arrangements for day of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral

Bus firm Transdev is showing the message ‘Thank You Ma’am’ on its destination displays in tribute to Her Majesty

North West bus operator Transdev has announced its service arrangements for Monday (19 September) – the date of Her Majesty The Queen’s state funeral, to be held at Westminster Abbey in London.

In a statement, the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy has confirmed the day will be a Bank Holiday, to allow individuals, businesses, and other organisations an opportunity to pay their respects to Her Majesty and commemorate Her reign, while marking the final day of the current period of national mourning.

Bus operator Transdev, whose North West network includes services run by Rosso, The Blackburn Bus Company and The Burnley Bus Company, will provide a Sunday service on this day.

Transdev CEO Alex Hornby said: “We have carefully considered the needs of our customers, many of whom will want to be with family on this day, along with our colleagues who will also wish to commemorate Her Majesty’s reign.

“A Sunday timetable will be in operation throughout our North West network on Monday, 19 September 2022. Normal weekday timetables will resume the following day, Tuesday 20 September.”

Following the sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral on Thursday 8 September, electronic destination displays on Transdev buses have carried the simple message “Thank You, Ma’am” in recognition of the Monarch’s 70 years of service to the nation.

Diamond bus, which also runs some local services, has confirmed it too will run a Sunday service, as has First Manchester. 

In a statement, First Manchester said: "Customers are also advised that drivers and other support staff will observe any silences that form part of the ceremony and, where safe to do so, will pull over to the side of the road and stop the bus until the mark of respect is completed.

"The National Moment of Reflection to mourn the Queen with a one-minute silence at 8.00pm on Sunday 18 September will also be observed by the operator’s drivers and colleagues."

Go North West has not yet confirmed any changes to their services.

Full details of all Transdev bus routes and tickets are available online at: transdevbus.co.uk and on the free to download Transdev Go mobile app.

Full details of First Sunday timetables can be found by visiting https://www.firstbus.co.uk/ and selecting a region. Bus services will resume the weekday timetable on Tuesday 20 September.