Rail workers’ leaders have warned that the compulsory use of face coverings on public transport in England from Monday must not be seen as a green light for wider use of trains and buses.
Union officials also made it clear that police, rather than frontline transport workers, must ensure the new rules are adhered to.
Coverings must now be worn by most people on buses, trams, trains, coaches, aircraft and ferries, a move welcomed by workers.
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), said: “The changes in the rules are welcome as they are likely to lower transmission of the virus on the transport network.
“However, this must not be seen as a green light among the wider population to use public transport.
“It must remain the case that only the key workers who are keeping us safe during the pandemic continue to use public transport.
“It’s also important to stress that a physical distance of at least two metres between passengers and/or staff must be maintained at all times.”
Rail, Maritime and Transport union general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT has been campaigning for face masks to be made compulsory for passengers on public transport and it is right that the police and not transport staff will be responsible for enforcing this new legislation.
“We have advised our members to avoid conflict situations in the event of any passengers refusing to wear face coverings.
“We are calling for transport workers to be treated with respect, including remembering the essential role they are playing as key workers during the pandemic.”
