ScotRail advises travellers to wear face coverings
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SCOTRAIL has updated guidance to advise that customers cover their face while travelling on its trains.
ScotRail issued the advice today following the launch of the Scottish Government Transport Guidance plan, which confirms people travelling on public transport should wear a face covering.
The train operator said it will also add a small number of daily services to the timetable from Monday, June 1, as part of the effort to keep key workers moving.
ScotRail said the small increase in services – from 43 per cent of a normal timetable to 47 per cent – will mean there is more capacity for key workers and essential travellers to increase the opportunities for physical distancing over the coming weeks.
David Simpson, ScotRail operations director, said: "We are asking our customers to play a very important role in keeping everyone safe by following the Scottish Government advice to cover their face while travelling.
"The message remains the same: people should only travel when it is essential to do so. We need everyone to take personal responsibility."
Professor Jason Leitch, Scotland’s national clinical director, said: "Everyone across Scotland’s Railway is working incredibly hard to provide a service for those people who need to use the train in this difficult time, and we really appreciate everything they are doing.
"Train services are having to operate in a very different way just now, so we are asking people to only travel by train if it is essential, and to follow ScotRail’s five rules for travel."
ScotRail's five rules of travel are:
1. Do not travel if you feel unwell or have a temperature.
2. Travel away from the main commuting times (0700-0900 and 1600-1830) wherever possible, as trains will be busiest around then. The earliest and latest trains serve key workers, like NHS and care home staff.
3. If you think it’s not safe to board a train, don’t do it and wait for another service.
4. Wear a face mask or covering and where possible maintain physical distancing.
5. Be patient. You might not be able to board your first choice of train, as physical distancing means most seats need to be left empty.
