Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
On track with face coverings
Monklands passengers are being urged to cover their face when travelling by train.
Scotrail has issued the updated guidance for customers following the launch of the Scottish Government Transport Guidance plan, which confirms people travelling on public transport should wear a face covering.
As part of the effort to keep key workers moving, the train operator has added a small number of daily services to its timetable.
The extra services provide more options for travel during peak times and continue to deliver for key workers.
New measures have been introduced by the train operator with the new rules for travel as follows:
Do not travel if you feel unwell or have a temperature.
Travel away from the main commuting times (7am to 9am and 4pm to 6.30pm) wherever possible as trains will be busiest around then; the earliest and latest trains serve key workers, like NHS and care home staff.
If you think it’s not safe to board a train, don’t do it and wait for another service.
Wear a face mask or covering and where possible, maintain physical distancing.
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.
The largest stations will have floor markings and other signs to outline a safe distance of two metres, while some station facilities such as waiting rooms will be closed, as ScotRail follows the successful model implemented by supermarkets and other businesses in recent weeks.
Platform markings and guidance at ticket vending machines will be supported by station announcements and messages on customer information screens to help essential travellers during their journey.
Buying tickets in advance through the ScotRail app or website will reduce waiting time for customers.
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.”
Professor Jason Leitch, Scotland’s national clinical director, added: “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 rules for travel.”