Calls have been made for the major scaling back of train and bus capacities as Ireland grapples with the coronavirus outbreak.
The National Bus and Rail Union has also asked for protective measures for staff to protect them from contracting the deadly virus.
Dermot O’Leary, NBRU general secretary, said: “Our members, along with their Frontline colleagues remain concerned with regard to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
“Whilst the numbers travelling have started to drop off, we remain concerned that the seating and standing arrangements on our buses and trains are not in line with recommended best practice of keeping a distance of at least one meter from another person.
“The fact is that the current bus and train configuration are not compatible with the ‘social distancing’ advice from experts.”
The Union has also asked for hand sanitisers be available on all trains and bus entry points and gloves for staff who interact with customers in a bid to reduce the risk of transmission.
Mr O'Leary added that the NBRU has written to the CEOs of Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, and Bus Eireann asking for the bus and train capacity to fulfil the requirements of social distancing.
In the letter, Mr O'Leary adds: "The NBRU is deeply concerned that the current public transport offering across the CIE Companies, particularly at peak commute periods, has reached a level where it is (currently) impossible for commuters to obtain viable personal space aboard our trains and buses.
"In fact, many of our buses and trains have seating configurations that necessitate passengers facing one another in close proxinmity. This is inconsistent with expert advice on social distancing."
For the latest news and breaking news visit dublinlive.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DublinLive - the official Dublin Live Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/dublinlive - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the capital.
