Stagecoach urges bus passengers to use phone screens at stops

Stagecoach bus operators in parts of England are urging passengers to make themselves visible at stops as darker mornings and evenings approach, recommending that they display a lit phone screen toward approaching traffic while keeping its light aimed at the road. The guidance was issued by Stagecoach Midlands in Banbury, Stagecoach East in Bedfordshire and Stagecoach in Derbyshire. The operators say visibility can help drivers identify people waiting to board. Their advice is to wake a phone screen, hold it where approaching drivers can see it, angle the light downward and signal to the bus by extending an arm. Passengers are also urged to stand back from the pavement edge and, where possible, wear bright clothing. The operators cautioned passengers not to use a phone’s torch or a separate bright flashlight, saying it could blind or distract drivers. The suggested screen light should be directed toward the road rather than into a driver’s eyes. Stagecoach Midlands Managing Director Mark Whitelocks and Stagecoach East Managing Director Darren Roe delivered the advice as Catch the Bus Month came to an end.