We need a Government-backed campaign to get us all back to using public transport
IT is really not at all surprising that people are loath to return to public transport (“Public transport faces post-lockdown hit”, The Herald, April 28).
At the beginning of lockdown we were warned by both governments to only use public transport if it were absolutely necessary. Otherwise we were being irresponsible, endangering not only our own health but that of key workers. We were even urged to use private cars rather than buses or trains, the climate emergency seemingly put on hold. And we complied.
Now, although tourism complete with overnight stays is due to return in the middle of May, and the domestic industry will require all the support it can get, there has been no hint from either Westminster or Holyrood that the edicts against discretionary public transport will be revoked any time soon.
During last summer’s false dawn, as it turned out, it was three weeks after tourism reopened before we were given at least an amber light to get back on buses and trains, albeit with faces covered, hands sanitised and keeping well away from other passengers. This time we need a clear rescinding of the previous instructions, stating clearly that the responsible option is to take buses and trains rather than private cars, right from the start of the tourism reawakening.
Of course, the transport operators still have the remarkable ability to shoot themselves in both feet, first of all with threats of industrial action and now with LNER insisting upon pre-booked seats by smartphone for any part of its
journeys, however quiet and however short, apparently blind to the essential part in the local rail network these long-distance trains play.
However, an unequivocal green signal from the powers that be that we should eschew the car for public transport would at least get that show on the road and the rails.
Jane Ann Liston, St Andrews.