Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Offering Free Rides for NHS Staff
The Harry Potter-branded buses from Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and coach company Golden Tours are offering their services to NHS staff for free rides to work during the pandemic. These buses usually carry Harry Potter fans to studio tours in Leavesden, where a huge portion of the films was completed. A spokesperson from Warner Bros. Studios gave the Evening Standard the lowdown on their new purpose during these times.
Paul da Gama, of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, shared that the workforce has been depleted due to self-isolation and general sickness, so it’s extremely important for staff who are well and can work to have the opportunity to make it in for their shift. Transportation issues have been affecting essential workers, and this is a great way for the community to give back.
Our staff might not be travelling to exotic locations or seeing behind the scenes of a major movie, but they will be making magic happen in their own way.
The buses will now drive essential workers to three different sites in Hertfordshire run by West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and Golden Tours decided to implement this usage of the buses after social distancing guidelines forced the closure of the Leavesden studios. “We couldn’t think of a better way to use the buses at this time,” stated a spokesperson for Warner Bros.
All key workers will receive a warm welcome, and social distancing guidelines will still be in place while on the buses. This free service will be running hourly between the Trust’s three sites, Watford General Hospital, St Albans City Hospital, and Hemel Hempstead Hospital, beginning at 6:10 a.m. and ending with the last drop-off at 10:40 p.m.
If you’re already planning your next getaway when social distancing lets up, check out what Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter has to offer! Two new additions will be added to the tour in 2020.
Everyone is showing their appreciation for essential workers in creative ways. What are some great ways your community is showing its appreciation? Let us know in the comments below!