Scots who use public transport will be expected to wear some kind of face covering the government has said.
Unveiling its Transport Transition Plan, the Scottish Government's transport secretary said that social distancing requirements would mean the country's public transport system would operate at around 10-25% of normal.
Matheson set out the fresh guidance for public transport users, warning that people would be expected to wear a face covering on board and strictly adhere to social distancing measures.
He said people should avoid busier times, walk or cycle if possible and ideally, work from home where possible.
Whilst the government were looking at ways of increasing capacity in future, Matheson told the Scottish Parliament that services would be operating at between 10-25% of normal in phase one.
Rail operator ScotRail said Scots should be patient as they may be unable to catch the first train, with most seats needing to be kept free.
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Matheson said: "Even with measures being put in place by transport operators, it can be difficult for people to maintain physical distances throughout their journey in some forms of public transport.
"I know with my discussion with trade unions, operators and from the surveys of public sentiment, that these are real and live concerns."
He added that Scots "should and would be expected" to wear a face covering as a courtesy to staff and other passengers.
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. If you think it’s not safe to board a train, don’t do it and wait for another service.
“Adding a small number of services will provide key workers and essential travellers with more opportunities to practice physical distancing. We urge people to help us by making safe and sensible decisions.”
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Professor Jason Leitch, NHS 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.”
