Bus drivers warned they face disciplinary action for refusing cash amid coronavirus fears

Diamond Buses, which runs services across the Black Country, told drivers it was "unacceptable" to refuse cash following complaints from the public.

But concerns have been raised by drivers that the passing of cash risks spreading Covid-19, both to themselves and passengers, including the elderly and vulnerable.

Diamond, which has its head office at Tividale, is encouraging customers to pay by contactless card or online app where possible but told drivers some will not be able to do this.

On its website, the company asks that passengers who are paying with cash have the correct fare to minimise the handling of change.

Bosses also said drivers had been provided with hand sanitiser as well as gloves "where requested".

A message to drivers, seen by the Express & Star, said: "As a company we ARE still accepting cash payments, not everyone has contactless cards or access to the app.

"We have had a number of complaints today where drivers have refused cash payments. This is unacceptable and any driver found to be doing this may be subject to disciplinary action."

One unhappy driver told the Express & Star: "Drivers, as key workers, are exposed to coronavirus infection through contact with random people on the bus.

"By giving passengers cash back, the drivers also exposes them to infection."

A Diamond Bus spokeswoman said: "We are encouraging passengers to pay for tickets without the use of cash, through our communication channels of posters on buses, our social media pages and website. Passengers can pay by contactless payment on all of our services or by purchasing tickets through our mobile app.

"Contactless payment is not possible for everyone. The issue of accepting cash payment has been raised following a complaint from Transport for West Midlands.

"As we operate a public service, we would be in breach of the terms and conditions of our travel policy to refuse travel for this reason. As people should currently be using buses for essential travel only, we expect our drivers to still take cash, if that is the only method the general public has for paying for travel."