Region’s public transport users will be free to ditch face masks

METRO, bus and train passengers across the region will be sent a ‘‘strong message’’ that they should continue wearing a face mask after July 19, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says.

But face masks will be optional and the region will not be following the example of London, where mayor Sadiq Khan has declared masks will be compulsory on buses, trains and the underground system.

National Express West Midlands, which runs many bus services in the region, said it will “respect everyone’s right to choose whether to wear a face covering”.

It follows Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that the final stages of lockdown will come to an end on July 19.

That includes ending laws that make face masks compulsory on public transport and in shops.

At the same time, Mr Johnson said the Government “expect and recommend” that people continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, including on public transport.

The Government also points out that transport operators still have the power to make masks compulsory, as part of what’s called Conditions of

Carriage. This is what Sadiq Khan has done in London.

The West Midlands Combined Authority, chaired by the mayor, owns and runs the Metro, and could potentially make masks compulsory there. The authority also works closely with bus and rail operators, although it cannot give them instructions.

However, Mr Street said the region would stick with the new rules as set out by Boris Johnson, in order to provide “one clear message” to travellers. It means masks will be encouraged, but optional.

Mr Street said: “I still hope that citizens will wear masks in crowded spaces, whether they be indoor spaces or on our public transport.

“I think what Boris Johnson said gives more strength to that. So our guidance will be, continue to wear your masks on our public transport.”

Asked why he had decided not to make masks compulsory on the Metro, he said: “It is very difficult when the national policy is different. You get into a position where national guidance is one thing and local policy is another.

“I think we can all now align together. From a citizen’s point of view, this is so important. You have to have one clear message.

“The Prime Minister said he hoped that people would still act with caution, he hoped that masks would still be used on public transport, and that will be our message.”