CPT warns that ‘mixed messaging’ will stall the recovery as polls suggest that public want face coverings to remain mandatory on public transport

 
Polls show support for face masks

 
The ability of public transport to play a full role in the country’s recovery from the pandemic is being put at risk by the prime minister’s “confusing” announcement on face coverings, the Confederation of Passenger Transport warned this week.

Setting out government plans to lift the remaining Covid restrictions in England on July 19, Boris Johnson this week said there will be no legal requirement for face coverings (subject to confirmation on July 12). Their use will still be advised in hospitals, healthcare settings and enclosed, crowded public spaces.

CPT said that this decision “passes the buck to operators unfairly placing staff on the front line in managing disputes”.

“Operators have worked hard to make bus and coach travel safe during the pandemic and the government should make it clear what the science is now telling them,” said CPT chief executive Graham Vidler. “If it advises face coverings are still required, then they should be mandated in all enclosed public spaces, but if they are no longer required then there should be no guidance advising of their continued use.”

This confusion and mixed messaging will discourage people from travelling to work, to the shops or from visiting visitor attractions across the country, making it harder for local economies to bounce back

He continued: “This confusion and mixed messaging will discourage people from travelling to work, to the shops or from visiting visitor attractions across the country, making it harder for local economies to bounce back and for bus and coach to play a role in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality by taking cars off our roads.”

Polls indicate support for face masks on public transport. A YouGov poll of 2,749 adults on July 5 found that 71% believed that face masks should remain mandatory on public transport, rising to 80% among those aged over 65. The latest ‘Travel during Covid-19’ survey of around 2,000 people by Transport Focus, on June 18-20, found that 59% “won’t use public transport unless passengers are required to wear face coverings”. This rose to 68% among over 65s and 63% among those with access to a car.

 

 
Meanwhile, 53% of those surveyed told Transport Focus that they won’t use public transport unless social distancing is in place. However, this figure has fallen significantly since June 2020, when 65% said they would not use public transport without social distancing. Frequent public transport users appear to be less anxious about social distancing, with 41% saying they would not use public transport without it.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “We know that some people will want to continue to wear a face covering. Three in 10 told us in future they will only wear a face covering if it is a requirement, while more than four in 10 say they will wear one at all times on public transport even if it is not a requirement.

It’s important that operators continue to do what they can to help people feel safe and confident as they return to travel

“It’s important that operators continue to do what they can to help people feel safe and confident as they return to travel.”

The Unite union, which represents tens of thousands of public transport workers, is calling on the government to reverse proposals to end the requirement for masks to be worn on buses and trains. The requirement for passengers to wear masks is particularly sensitive for bus drivers due to colleagues who died of Covid. Unite also believes that restrictions on the maximum capacity of passengers on buses should also remain in place.

Unite national officer for passenger transport Bobby Morton said: “To end the requirement to wear masks on public transport would be an act of gross negligence by the government. Rates of infection are continuing to increase and not only does mask wearing reduce transmissions it helps provide reassurance to drivers and to passengers who are nervous about using public transport.

“The idea of personal responsibility and hoping that people will wear masks is absolutely ridiculous.”

 
This article appears alongside further coverage in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

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