Passengers on public transport are unlikely to be able to practice social distancing safely, the government has admitted.
Police were out in force on Monday as the operators stepped up services as lockdown measures ease slightly.
The Rail Delivery Group said services this week will increase from about 50% of the standard timetable to 70%.
However, capacity will be reduced to as little as 10% of normal levels to ensure social distancing, while passengers are being urged to avoid non-essential travel.
But publishing guidance for both passengers and operators the Department for Transport warned that “there will be times and some settings on public transport where social distancing is not possible”.
But with the Government calling on those who cannot work from home in certain industries to return to work from tomorrow, it is inevitable that more people will be getting public transport.
So here is the government's advice to make sure you can make any trip you have to take as safe as possible.
Do not travel if you're unwell or clinically extremely vulnerable
People have been asked not to take any non-essential travel by public transport, but even if your trip is essential you shouldn't take it if you have any coronavirus symptoms or are part of the vulnerable groups, people with underlying conditions, who the Government have urged to shield themselves.
If you're self-isolating you should also, obviously, avoid public transport
Check ahead and travel when quieter
Even as public transport routes begin to step up activity, there is still likely to be disruption to the nornal arrangements, so the government is asking people to plan a head by identifying alternative routes and options in case of unexpected disruption.
They also suggest that if can, travel at off-peak times, and you should ask your employer to consider letting you start late or leave early to avoid peaks.
Buy tickets ahead of time (and check what you need to bring)
On some services you will now now required to book ahead of time.
If you are travelling on LNER trains then you need to know that is ‘reservation only’ travel from 18 May
Passengers will have to reserve their seat or if they are using a flexible ticket such as a season ticket, they can avail the online seat reservation tool or speak to staff.
Passengers who have an existing reservation should choose a seat at a distance and ignore the seat details.
On other networks it has been recomended that where possible, that you book your travel online through your transport provider’s ticketing app or website.
Some networks - like Nothern Rail - have said that the layout and frequency of trains might in order to ensure social distancing.
So you must check the timetable ahead of time - and where possible just pick up your ticket in advance.
Consider contactless payment to buy tickets.
Try and keep social distance
If you can take a less busy route, you should try and obviously where possible you should keep 2metres away from people.
But where that isn't possible the advice is to "keep the time you spend nears others as short as possible and avoid physical contact."
It adds: "Be aware of the surfaces you touch. Be careful not to touch your face. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing."
To avoid crowds it suggests you "try to start or end your journey using a station or mode of transport you know to be quieter or more direct. For instance, walk the first or last mile of your journey, or alight at an earlier station, where this is possible".
Wear a face covering and travel lightly
While the guidance stresses that wearing a face covering is not a legal requirement it stresses that if you can wear one while on public transport you should.
And it suggests making a list of items that you need to take with you in order to minimise the luggage you take.
Also, the advice suggests you don't eat or drink on public transport.
Pay attention to the safety instructions around you and follow basic travel ettiquette
Operators have been told they must set out schemes to try and make travelling more secure and this will mean restrictions on where you stand or how to queue.
It goes without saying that you should follow these.
It may mean going into or out of a different entrance or only boarding from a particular part of the train or bus.
When you get home - wash your hands
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands as soon as possible - do the same for children within your care if they have travelled
