New guidance published today provides advice on how passengers
should make journeys safely, following the publication of the
Government’s roadmap and strategy for the next phase of the
pandemic. It urges people to consider cycling, walking or
driving to help ensure there is enough capacity for those who
need to travel on public transport to do so safely.
As the Transport Secretary stated on Saturday, even as public
transport begins to revert to a full service, the 2-metre
social distancing rule would only leave effective capacity for
one in ten passengers on many parts of the network.
The advice sets out that if people cannot work from home and
have to travel for work, they should first consider
alternatives to public transport. Those driving their own cars
have been asked to avoid busy areas.
For those who have to use public transport, the guidance for
passengers on how to travel safely recommends:
- Keeping 2 metres apart from others wherever possible
- Wearing a face covering if you can
- Using contactless payment where possible
- Avoiding rush hour travel where feasible
- Washing or sanitising your hands as soon as
possible before and after travel
- Following advice from staff and being considerate to others
All transport operators have been issued guidance on ensuring
stations and services are regularly cleaned, making clear to
passengers how to stay 2 metres apart where possible in
stations, airports and ports, and to ensure routes for
passengers are clearly communicated to avoid crowding. The
Government’s guidance also sets out steps operators should take
to provide safe workplaces and services for their staff and
passengers across all modes of private and public
transport.
To help reduce pressure on the transport network so there is
space for social distancing where possible, the Transport
Secretary has spoken to train and bus operators and local
authorities to ensure they increase the number of available
services over the coming weeks.
Transport Secretary said:
“Transport operators and staff have been working hard to
ensure that people who need to get to work are able to do so,
including crucial NHS workers and all those on the frontline
of the fight against the virus.
“Alongside the cycling and walking revolution we are
launching, and clear guidance to passengers and operators
published today, we can all play our part by following the
advice and reducing pressure on public transport.
“If we take these steps, all those who need to use public
transport should feel confident that they can do so safely,
with the space to maintain social distancing as far as
possible.”
This follows the Transport Secretary announcing a £2bn package
of cycling and walking investment on Saturday that will deliver
a green revolution in travel, easing the pressure on public
transport services by helping more people than ever choose
alternative forms of travel. This included £250million for
local authorities in England to create pop up bike lanes with
protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions,
and cycle and bus-only corridors.
The Government’s strategy and advice recognises that there will
be times and some settings on public transport where social
distancing is not possible. The new guidance outlines how
people should try to minimise the duration of this, and take
all necessary steps to observe these measures where possible.
