Scots increasingly nervous about

Confidence among Scots in returning to public transport when lockdown restrictions are eased has nearly halved to just 17 per cent in a poll published today.

The dramatic reduction in the proportion happy with using buses and trains from 30 cent last week comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to set out the next steps towards more travel.

A transport transition plan with further details is due to be published shortly.

The latest results of the weekly survey by official passenger watchdog Transport Focus also show nervousness in Scotland about public transport has grown for a second week. The proportion who are happy has fallen from 32 per cent two weeks ago.

The figures also revealed Scots are becoming increasingly concerned that there is physical distancing on public transport and passengers wear face coverings. More also plan to wears coverings in public.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “As the Scottish Government considers its transport transition plan, our tracking survey indicates increased caution about using public transport and a growing number of people saying they will wear a face covering.

“The Government and transport operators must work together to ensure people receive clear and consistent advice about travel.

“They need to know who can travel, what rules exist, what they have to do, and where to find information.”

A total of 69 per cent of Scots said they would not use public transport unless distancing was in place, which has risen from 68 per cent last week and 53 per cent the week before.

Those backing compulsory face coverings were up 1 percentage point to 60 per cent, and up 7 points on a fortnight ago.

The proportion saying they would now wear coverings in public has risen up from 37 per cent two weeks ago to 43 per cent last week and 46 per cent this week.

A total of 173 people were questioned in Scotland among 2,013 across Britain.

Meantime, First Bus has announced that passengers are to be counted to ensure distancing because only a quarter of seats will be available.

Drivers at one of Britain’s biggest bus firms will count passengers on all services from Monday to ensure there is enough space for them to stay apart on board.

The move, which will be introduced on some buses this week, could mean passengers being forced to wait at bus stops for the next service.

Passengers will be counted using a device added to ticket machines.

Aberdeen-based Firstgroup is the main operator in Glasgow and Aberdeen, and runs services in Stirling, Falkirk and West Lothian.

Once the new 25 per cent seat occupancy limit is reached, drivers will not allow anyone else to board.

Passengers who are able to board will be directed to use seats at an “appropriate distance” from each other, according to the firm.

First Bus in Scotland managing director Andrew Jarvis said: “Social distancing measures are being introduced across our buses to ensure the safety of our colleagues and customers.

“Our buses will be operating at a reduced capacity with around one in four seats available.

“We would ask for people’s patience during these challenging times as we adapt our service provision around the UK Government’s guidance.

“Together we can all play a crucial role in getting Scotland back on its feet again.

“Travel advice is being shared across all our communications channels and on signage across our buses.

“We have been working closely with our people and trade unions on the measures we are taking to enable social distancing for our colleagues and customers.

“We are also monitoring passenger data to provide double deck buses on the busiest journeys and have a limited number of duplicate buses ready to add to routes where appropriate, to try and provide the best service possible for essential journeys.

Firstgroup chief executive John Clarfelt said the “groundbreaking technology” for counting passengers would be “vital for drivers” as demand for public transport increases.

Firstgroup spokesman Dave Lynch added: “We fully support the Government’s guidelines and urge passengers to only travel if their journey is essential.”