Face coverings a must for train passengers

Face coverings are a must for everyone travelling on public transport in England from today, Monday 15 June.

Main stations across Network Rail’s North West and Central region – London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street – are equipped with face covering vending machines, hand sanitiser stations and new signage to make sure all passengers making essential journeys can travel safely.

Government guidance is to avoid public transport and only travel by train if you absolutely have to – and if you do, wear a face covering, avoid peak times if possible and maintain a two-metre distance from other passengers.

Rather than protecting the wearer, evidence suggests face coverings can protect other people from someone who may be infected.

Jake Kelly, passenger director for Network Rail’s North West & Central region, said: ‘I’d like to thank all our passengers for doing their bit and avoiding train travel during the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘Moving past Covid19 requires a national team effort. Each of us must do our bit. That includes wearing face coverings and staying two metres apart from other passengers and station staff if at all possible.

‘As we enter this new phase, it is perhaps more important than ever for each of us to be safe, be patient and be kind.’

Jake added: ‘There may be medical or other reasons why people can’t wear a face covering. In that case, our staff will be reasonable and kind. Our priority is simply to keep passengers and staff safe.’

Network Rail’s managed stations throughout the North West and Central region have implemented a variety of safety measures for passengers who do need to travel.

London Euston:

• Signage across the station, incl. 2m distance floor vinyls
• Two Perspex free-standing podiums on main concourse operated by staff with face masks available (increased to 10 podiums by the end of the week)
• Hand sanitiser stations on main concourse
• Increase in staff numbers from Monday, including BTP
• One-way queueing systems prepared to keep passengers safe
• Dedicated isolation room for suspected COVID cases
• Face mask vending machine being installed this week
• New medic buggy in action to support any first aid needs