The UK government has published new guidance for safer travel and transport operations during the next phase of the coronavirus 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.
The advice sets out that if people who 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 2m 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
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “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.”
Guidance for operators outlines measures to assess and address the risks of coronavirus in the transport sector across England.
According to the Department for Transport, all transport operators have been issued guidance on ensuring stations and services are regularly cleaned, making clear to passengers how to stay 2m 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.
Furthermore, to help reduce pressure on the transport network and enable social distancing, transport secretary Grant Shapps has reportedly spoken to train and bus operators and local authorities to ensure they increase the number of available services over the coming weeks.
Shapps added: “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.”
The new guidance follows the transport secretary’s announcement of a £2bn package of cycling and walking investment, including £250m 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.
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