Stay covered up, keep distance and avoid rush
STRICTER NEW RULES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
THIS year began with yet another coronavirus lockdown, with England plunged back into severe restrictions from Tuesday, January 5.
With millions of people told to ‘Stay At Home,’ many workplaces have once again fallen empty as people avoid the office.
However, lots of people still need to use public transport to make essential journeys in Yorkshire.
With incredibly strict rules now in place once again, bus, train and tram operators across the county have released updated guidance for passengers travelling with them.
We have rounded up the latest advice for customers so that you are not caught out when travelling in lockdown 3.
First passengers in Leeds, Huddersfield and Bradford are all told to wear a face mask and practice social distancing on buses.
Roughly half of seats on First buses are currently out of use to try and maintain social distancing between passengers.
In a message, First West Yorkshire said: “People intending to travel should check the appropriate government advice for the region of the UK they live in.
“There are currently no restrictions on passenger type and everyone is welcome on our buses if they follow government and First Bus guidance, and they are not feeling unwell.
“Anyone who is suffering from coronavirus symptoms including a persistent cough or high temperature, should not travel, and should follow public health guidelines.”
Similarly to First buses further north, the South Yorkshire buses are also running at reduced capacities.
In a statement on their website, First West Yorkshire said: “In light of the national lockdown: Stay at Home announcement on the 4 January 2021, our buses our still running for essential journeys.”
Services “remain available for anyone who needs them”, although people are being encouraged to plan their journeys ahead by using the First app.
All passengers must wear a face covering unless they are exempt, and people are being asked to pay using contactless methods.
”With lockdown announced across the UK, we know many of you will be looking for information for how lockdown will affect our service,” says a message placed on the Stagecoach website.
“For now, our buses are running to their current timetable but you can keep up to date with any changes by checking our latest timetable page and service updates.”
Enhanced cleaning timetables and reduced seat numbers will also keep customers safe, while all passengers are being asked to wear face masks.
The rail operator has issued guidance to try and help passengers avoid busy trains, including telling customers to plan ahead, travel outside peak times and book in advance.
Not only have people been told that they must wear face coverings on trains, but the requirement also applies inside stations across Yorkshire too.
“Transport hubs are included in the same requirements as retail outlets,” says a message on the TransPennine Express website.
“The penalty for failing to wear a face covering when not exempt is £200 for a first offence, doubling each time to a maximum fine of £6,400.
“The sunflower lanyard can be worn by customers who may have a hidden disability and are not able to wear a face mask. Sunflower lanyards can be collected from any TPE ticket office.” Seat numbers have been reduced to “no more than half the usual number of passengers”.
Onboard catering services have been suspended in firstclass carriages.
The penalty for failing to wear a face covering when not exempt is £200 for a first offence.
Passengers are told to check the latest government travel restrictions before boarding a train, with people reminded to wear face coverings at all times unless they have a medical condition or disability that makes them exempt.
The full list of requirements on the Northern Rail website tells customers to:
Buy your ticket online or pay by contactless, where possible
Respect the social distancing rules follow the instructions at stations and of staff
You must wear a face covering, unless you have a medical exception or