Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Thousands of face masks issued to rail commuters
ScotRail has issued more than 20,000 face masks to travellers at major stations since their use became mandatory on public transport last week.
Passengers at Airdrie station are among those who have been able to receive a free face covering at the start of their journey, along with those at 15 other busy stops including Queen Street and Glasgow Central.
The train operator says 90 per cent of people have worn masks aboard its services and has thanked customers for their co-operation with the new rule – which also applies to travel on buses and in taxis.
Free masks are still being made available to passengers, but Scotrail has issued a reminder that the existing supply“will only be available for a limited time”and that passengers should prepare to bring their own face coverings when making essential travel as part of the“new normal”.
Operations director David Simpson said:“It has been a very positive first week with the new mandatory guidance on wearing face coverings, and we’re delighted that so many people are joining our hard-working staff to keep everyone safe.
“We are doing everything we can to help customers get used to the changes in rail travel and that’s why we are currently providing face masks at our busiest stations.
“However, we remind our customers making essential journeys that this is only for a limited period, and they should be prepared for having their own face covering over the coming weeks and months.”
Scotrail also says that passengers “must take personal responsibility for their travel choices”and that the operator“cannot guarantee physical distancing at all stages of a journey”.
Their five rules are not to travel if you feel unwell or have a temperature; to travel outside the rush hours of 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6.30pm; to wear a face mask or covering and maintain physical distancing; to be patient as most seats must now be left empty so it may not be able to board a first-choice service; and for passengers not to board trains if they feel it would be unsafe.
Scotrail notes that“the earliest and latest trains serve key workers, like NHS and care home staff”; and that “customers can expect an increase in the time it takes to buy a ticket at a station and board a train – there may be occasions over the coming months when boarding their normal train may not be possible in busier times”.