ScotRail is urging customers to take responsibility and cover their face when travelling on Scotland’s Railway, as it has emerged that some people are not following the set guidelines for safer travel.
The train operator estimates that only 60 per cent - and in some cases as little as 40 per cent - of customers traveling on some routes are not covering their face.
The wearing of face coverings was made mandatory on Monday 22 June. Since then, around 90 per cent of customers overall have complied with the requirement which keeps themselves and others safe.
A limited supply of free face coverings is available at more than 20 of the busiest stations across Scotland until the end of this week, and more than 20,000 have been given away to help people get used to the new normal for rail travel.
Staff across Scotland’s Railway have also been provided with face coverings, masks, and visors to help keep them, and customers, safe.
Customers can play their part by following ScotRail’s five rules for safer travel, which are:
- Do not travel if you feel unwell or have a temperature.
- Travel away from the main commuting times (0700 – 0900 and 1600 – 1830) wherever possible, as trains will be busiest around then. The earliest and latest trains serve key workers, like NHS and care home staff.
- If you think it’s not safe to board a train, don’t do it and wait for another service.
- Wear a face mask or covering and, where possible, maintain physical distancing.
- Be patient. You might not be able to board your first choice of train, as physical distancing means most seats need to be left empty.
Customers can also 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. Buying tickets in advance through the ScotRail app or website will reduce the time to wait.
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.”