(Lab):...For public
transport staff, the train or station, bus, coach, ship, plane or
Taxi is their place of work rather than a means of
getting to work. I am not clear how much guaranteed protection
these guidelines provide them with. There is no provision for PPE
to be provided for front-line staff. The Statement also says that
wearing face coverings when using public transport could help
protect other travellers, and presumably also staff, from
coronavirus—but having said that, the guidance then only advises
people to wear face coverings...
(Lab): My Lords, first, I
understand that the Transport Secretary was quoted as having said
that it is a civic duty to avoid public transport. Could the
Minister confirm that that is the Government’s policy?
Secondly, going back to the question of face masks, even if they
are only 50% effective, most of us would be much happier to have
a 50% chance of not catching something than to be more liable to
catching it. The Government’s argument on face masks is weak and
unconvincing. Those of us who might be forced to take
taxis would be much relieved if the
taxis themselves were sanitised between
passenger journeys. I do not want to get into a
Taxi that has been occupied by somebody going to
hospital because they think they have been infected.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for
Transport () (Con):...The noble Lord also talked about
getting into a Taxi or private hire vehicle,
which the transport operators’ guidance also covers. It includes
a section on cleaning and hygiene and making sure that your place
of work, namely your Taxi is clean and protects
subsequent passengers. Therefore, that is what
Taxi and PHV drivers should be doing...
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