Many people plan to continue to wear face coverings on public transport for the foreseeable future, research from user watchdog Transport Focus indicates, with three in five stating they will not use services unless other passengers are required to do so.
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The findings were published shortly before the Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on Monday that social distancing rules and the legal obligation to wear masks will end on 19 July, while Government will no longer instruct people to work from home.
Transport Focus’s research involved engagement with focus groups and a majority of participants said that, regardless of restrictions being lifted, they would not rush to change their cautious behaviours.
In addition, a YouGov poll published on Monday showed that 71% of people think face coverings should continue to be mandatory on public transport for a further period of time after restrictions lift.
Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “While views on easing social distancing are divided, our research shows many passengers plan to continue to wear face coverings for some time to come.”
He added: “As restrictions ease it’s important that people’s first journey back on public transport is a good one. To maintain passengers’ confidence transport operators must provide clear information and be straight with passengers when services are expected to be busy so they can make an informed choice.”
The Rail Delivery Group has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement, with a spokesman saying: “It’s good to see Government treating public transport the same as other indoor settings by recommending that face coverings are worn only in crowded spaces, whether that’s on a train or elsewhere.
“Travelling by train is low risk as carriages are well ventilated with air regularly refreshed either by air conditioning systems, or by doors and windows being opened. Of course, train companies will continue with extra cleaning and better information about how busy services are and we will support people who wish to continue wearing face coverings in future.”
The Confederation of Passenger Transport’s chief executive Graham Vidler welcomed the end of social distancing which he said will allow buses to “play a full role in the country’s recovery from the pandemic”. However he said this is being put at risk by a “confusing” announcement on face coverings, which “passes the buck to operators, unfairly placing staff on the front line in managing disputes”.
The Prime Minister said guidance will suggest instances where people might choose to continue wearing face coverings, “especially when cases are rising, and where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet in enclosed places, such as obviously crowded public transport”.
Graham Vidler said: “Mixed messaging will discourage people from travelling to work, to the shops or from visiting attractions across the country, making it harder for local economies to bounce back and for bus and coach to play a role in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality by taking cars off our roads.”
(Photograph: Chaz Bharj - Shutterstock)
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