‘No eating’ among new public transport advice
GUIDELINES advising people from talking on mobile phones, reading newspapers or eating food on public transport in Wales have been issued by the Welsh Government.
The government directive also orders passengers not to run for the bus, or run in railway stations.
And it says people should travel in “relative silence” with no “loud activities” like singing happening on board.
The directive says: ■ Travel in relative silence – no ‘loud’ activities in public transport (like singing) ■ Do not use mobile phones for talking on public transport except in an emergency ■ No running in transport hubs ■ Don’t run for the bus – drivers to be alert and wait ■ No newspapers ■ Do not consume food or drink on public transport (except for example on medical grounds)
The measures are contained in a section called ‘administrative controls’ in a Welsh Government document called Restarting Public Transport: Guidance for Operators.
It says that the changes are required under Regulation 12 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations.
It is not clear how the changes will be enforced, but there will not be fines for not adhering to them because it is “guidance to keep people safe”.
However, the wearing of masks will be mandatory on public transport from July 27.
Transport for Wales has been urging passengers not to use its services except for essential travel.
They said that this was due to the expected increase in the number of journeys and to ensure there was enough space for key workers or those without alternative options.
The Welsh Government also says that people should only travel on public transport if it is essential.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “This guidance is about taking every possible precaution to reduce the risk of transmitting coronavirus.
“We recognise this may cause inconvenience to some people but there is clear evidence coronavirus can be spread through aerosol transmission when people are talking loudly, eating or even breathing heavily after running for the bus.
“Everything we do in Wales is about keeping people safe and saving lives.
“From July 27 everyone using public transport in Wales, including taxis, will need to wear a three-layer face covering.”
The guidance is similar to the UK Government which specifies avoiding loud talking or consuming food.