Thousands of over-70s reject public transport as buses see surge in use

● Confidence among other age groups in returning to use buses and trains remains low amid continuing safety concerns

The number of over 70s travelling by bus in Scotland has increased by nearly 4,000 a day since lockdown started despite being urged to avoid public transport.

The figures came as the latest weekly poll on passenger confidence about public transport showed increasing concern about distancing, wearing face coverings and hand sanitiser being made available

Travel by those aged 70 or over has increased by 30 per cent since the restrictions were imposed in March, new Transport Scotland figures showed.

The rise – measured from the use of free bus passes – is the equivalent of an extra 3,800 journeys a day.

This included a 3 per cent increase over the last week.

It has come despite the age group being classed as being at higher risk of developing severe illness with Covid-19.

The Scottish Government had advised them to “avoid using public transport as much as possible”, stay at home and “significantly reduce unnecessary social contact”.

Those restrictions have now been lifted.

The statistics also showed car traffic increased by some 5 per cent compared to last week and is now 45 per cent higher than at the start of the lockdown.

Most of it was on local trips. However, there was no notable increase over the bank holiday on Monday, with traffic levels lower than the previous Monday.

The figures also showed that no notable increase in overall trips since people were permitted to exercise more than once a day.

The total number of daily trips per person fell slightly from 1.4 to 1.3, largely because of less walking, which may be because of less good weather.

There was also a fall in cycling, which may also have been due to the weather.

Age Scotland head of policy Adam Stachura said: “The increase observed in concessionary bus travel by those aged 70 plus is understandable and need not be cause for concern.

“Tens of thousands of older peoplehavenowbeenself-isolating for ten weeks, many of them living alone.

“Public transport may be the only way for many older people to pick up prescriptions, attend medical appointments and access shops - particularly if no other support is available.

“Strict physical distancing measures are in place to help minimise the dangers.

“What is most important now that lockdown measures are easing is people do not take undue risks.

“Providing they make sure they continue following expert NHS and Scottish Government advice, as well as practising safe physical distancing, there should be no issue with those over 70 travelling by bus.“

Transport secretary Michael Matheson said: “Our latest transport data shows the majority of people in Scotland are continuing to follow Government guidance and limit travel for essential journeys only.

“I would once again like to thank everyone who is playing their part to help the NHS, from our public transport workers who continue to keep the country moving to those ensuring they only make necessary trips.”

Meantime, the latest weekly survey of passengers’ attitudes to using public transport showed confidence in Scotland remains at a low level.

Only 19 per cent of those questioned said they would be happy to travel by bus or train, compared to 17 per cent last week.

The figure has fallen from around 30 per cent in the previous two weeks and is close to the 20 per cent level across Britain.

Space on public transport will be limited to about one quarter of normal because of the need for physical distancing, but it will just be one eighth on Scotrail trains.

People are urged to travel by other means if they can.

The poll by official watchdog Transport Focus also revealed hardening attitudes to safety.

The proportion of Scots stating distancing would be required for them to use public transport has increased from 53 per cent a month ago to 75 per cent this week.

The proportion of passengers who would not be happy travelling unless everyone wore a face coverings has similarly risen, from 53 per cent to 70 per cent.

Passengers will be expected to bring and wear their own, and making them compulsory would require a new law to be passed by MSPS. But ministers believe enforcing it would be difficult.

Hand sanitiser would be a requirement for travel for 92 per cent compared to 79 per cent in the first survey.

A total of 194 people in Scotland were questioned among 2,000 in Britain.

“Public transport may be the only way for many older people to pick up prescriptions, attend medical appointments and access shops”

ADAM STACHURA