In usual circumstances we would be promoting public transport use all of the way. It can help save some serious cash compared to using the car, and helps to minimise the number of cars on the road.
These are strange times, however, and we wanted to share with you the most recent advice on public transport use through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The advice is quite clear: Consider all other forms of transport before using public transport.
Below is the official advice from the Government regarding public transport use, which can be seen in full here.
Public transport
From 15 June 2020, you must wear a face covering on public transport in England. You will be breaking the law if you fail to do so and could be fined.
A face covering is a covering of any type which covers your nose and mouth.
How to wear and make a face covering.
Some people don’t have to wear a face covering for health, age or equality reasons.
You should also wear a face covering in other enclosed spaces where it is difficult to maintain social distancing. For example at stations and interchanges.
You should remove your face covering if asked to do so by a police officer or other relevant person.
It is important to wash or sanitise your hands before and after touching your face covering.
Plan your journey
Before and during your journey, check with your transport operator for the latest travel advice on your route.
Travel may take longer than normal on some routes due to social distancing measures. Allow more time if your journey involves changes between different forms of transport.
If you can:
- travel at off-peak times
- use quieter stations and stops – get off a stop early if it’s less busy
- keep changes to a minimum, for example, between bus and train
- walk for more of your journey, for example the first or last mile
- book your tickets online in advance or pay by contactless
Consider making a list of items to take with you and minimise the luggage you take.
Only travel into, out of and within areas under local lockdown if your travel is essential.
On your journey
From 15 June 2020, you must wear a face covering on public transport in England. You will be breaking the law if you fail to do so and could be fined.
Some people don’t have to wear a face covering for health, age or equality reasons.
Where possible, keep a 2 metre distance from others during your journey. Government guidance on social distancing has changed.
If you cannot keep a 2 metre distance, reduce the risk to yourself and others by maintaining a 1 metre distance where possible, and taking suitable precautions.
Help keep yourself, other passengers and transport staff safe:
- ensure you maintain social distancing, where possible, including at busy entrances, exits, under canopies, bus stops, platforms or outside of stations
- limit the number of people that you come into contact with, for example avoid peak travel
- wash or sanitise your hands regularly
- avoid touching your face
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing
- travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow
- touch as few surfaces as possible
- stay outdoors, rather than indoors, where possible
- minimise the time spent close to other people, where possible
- avoid loud talking, shouting or singing
- dispose of waste safely, including items such as used disposable face coverings
- be prepared to queue or take a different entrance or exit at stations
- wait for passengers to get off first before you board
- wait for the next service if you cannot safely keep your distance on board a train, bus or coach
- avoid consuming food and drink on public transport, where possible
- respect other people’s space while travelling
- be aware of pregnant, older and disabled people who may require a seat or extra space
- be aware that not all disability is visible and some people may be exempt from wearing a face covering
Treat transport staff with respect and follow instructions from your transport operator. This may include:
- notices about which seats to use or how to queue
- additional screens, barriers or floor markings
- requests to board through different doors or to move to less busy areas
Seek assistance if you need it
If you require assistance when travelling and would normally contact your transport operator ahead of time, continue to do so.
If any problems arise or you feel ill during your journey, speak to a member of transport staff. In the case of an emergency, contact the emergency services as you normally would.
If you need help, try to keep a 2 metre distance from members of staff. If this isn’t possible, try to avoid physical contact and keep the time you spend near staff as short as possible.
Check guidance from the operator before using public transport.
Make yourself as prepared as possible for your journey by public transport by checking the website of the operator you plan on travelling with to see any specific guidance they have for using their service and get an idea of what to expect when travelling.
