Passengers on Fife Circle urged to wear masks

Rail bosses ask travellers to observe safe guidelines after compliance down to 40%

Passengers travelling on Fife Circle train services have been urged to cover their faces after it emerged as few as 40% were complying with safe travel guidelines.

Train operator Scotrail estimates only 60% of people travelling on some routes across Scotland were using masks or face coverings in the first three weeks since they were made mandatory, on Monday June 22.

Since then, the company believes around 90% of customers overall have complied with the requirement which keeps themselves and others safe.

However, some services have given particular cause for concern, including Fife Circle.

David Simpson, Scotrail operations director, said: “While it’s encouraging to see that most people across the country are following the requirement and covering their face when travelling, we need everyone to take personal responsibility for their travel choices.

“The mandatory wearing of face coverings helps keep you, your fellow customers and our people safe.

“We’ll continue to do everything we can to help you get used to the changes in rail travel and that’s why we are providing face masks at our busiest stations for a limited time.

“Please only travel if your journey is absolutely necessary and be prepared with your own face covering over the coming weeks and months ahead.”

A limited supply of free face coverings was made available at the busiest stations across Scotland until the end of last week and more than 20,000 have been given away.

Staff have also been provided with face coverings, masks, and visors.

Customers have been urged to follow Scotrail’s five rules for safer travel, namely that they do not travel if they feel unwell; travel away from peak commuting times wherever possible; not to board a train if they do not think it is safe; wear a face mask or covering and maintain physical distancing; and exercise patience as social distancing means most seats need to be left empty.

Train users have been also warned to expect an increase in the time it takes to buy a ticket at a station and board a train, and there may be occasions over the coming months when boarding their normal train may not be possible in busier times.

Customers have also been advised to buy tickets in advance.

Picture: Kim Cessford. A masked passenger boards a train at Inverkeithing.