Public Transport passengers still expected to wear face coverings

Government guidance from today says that people are expected and strongly recommended to continue to use face coverings on public transport.

The lifting of restrictions, and the gradual return to the office for many local people over the summer, mean that residents will begin to make regular journeys they would have done before the pandemic. The County Council strongly urges passengers to use public transport for these journeys and we are determined to ensure that these services are safe for all to use.

The high volume of consultation responses received as part of the Worcestershire Passenger Transport Strategy pre-pandemic shows how vital the local transport network is to so many residents both within Worcestershire and our neighbouring Counties.

Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said, “Our residents have been fantastic at playing their part in keeping case numbers down during the pandemic and I would urge them to continue. Therefore, it is imperative that all passengers wear a face a covering on public transport in order to both protect themselves and others. We need to our support bus drivers to do their job and not need to step in to sort out disputes and being distracted.

This latest lifting of restrictions is a real opportunity for us to take advantage of our local transport network and the services it offers. We know how vital the local transport network is to our residents as many of them engaged with us throughout the Passenger Transport Strategy consultation. We are determined to do everything we can to ensure that bus travel is safe, and people are confident in using the services. Most bus journeys are short, and we are all well used to wearing face covering therefore, please do the right thing by continuing to wear face coverings to keep you and those around you safe and be considerate of others.”