Mayo business ready and waiting to get back on the road
WELL-KNOWN Mayo family-run transport business Corduff Travel has seen 99% of its business wiped out because of Covid restrictions, but is ready, waiting and prepared for the future.
Corduff Travel, with its roots in Rossport, has, over the decades, seen its business grow from strength to strength with a fleet of over 70 buses, and boasts loyal customers such as both the Mayo senior and ladies football teams. They employ over 70 people, which includes 65 bus drivers.
Originally founded in 1939 by the first of three generations of Michaels, Corduff Travel is now run by Michael Corduff Senior, based in Rossport, and Michael Corduff Junior who is based at the company's head office in Castlebar. Another Corduff brother - Padraig - manages their Dublin base.
Like many businesses around the country, Corduff Travel have been devastated by the effects of the Covid crisis. Their main markets - schools, tourism travel, college students, entertainment and sports travel - all dried up as the country went into lockdown.
“Of the 70 buses we had on the road, only two are in use at the moment,” said Michael Corduff Jnr. “These are being used to transfer patients to and from urgent medical appointments.”
Rather than accept defeat the Corduffs have decided to seize the opportunity and have used the down time to prepare for reopening. A significant investment in both time and money has been put into the business to get it ready for transporting when required.
Every driver will be required to wear a new disposable mask and gloves before and during each trip. Every vehicle is equipped with hygiene kits for passenger use, which include hand sanitiser, masks, gloves and disinfectant spray.
The company's safety statement and risk assessment has been also been revised.
“Every one of our coaches have undergone a deep clean and been inspected and passed by the HSA,” added Michael. “And every member of the team,from the drivers, to the mechanics and office staff, have undergone hygiene, health and safety training online. We’ve also implemented social distancing measures in each coach by closing off certain areas.”
This is naturally going to affect the capacity of the business and introduces a completely new way of working for the entire team. But Michael adds philosophically: “This looks like the new normal for some time to come. Adapting has come at a huge cost but we owe it to our loyal team and amazing customers to keep going and to keep everyone safe.”
* Pictured, Michael Corduff Jnr with a hygiene kit