ScotRail has told its passengers to follow the five rules for travel as it warns travellers it can't guarantee social distancing at all stages of a journey.
Whilst travel remains for essential journeys only; the operator is preparing for a potential easing of lockdown that might result in more people travelling by train.
The capacity on ScotRail trains has been reduced to help support physical distancing. For example, a Class 385 train between Edinburgh and Glasgow would normally have the capacity for 500 passengers, but this is reduced to 80 to make sure social distancing rules are followed.
From Monday 15 June 2020, hand sanitiser will be available at the busiest stations across the country to help passengers follow the guidance.
Floor markings and other signs to outline safe distancing also feature at the busiest stations.
ScotRail has also confirmed that it is adding more services to the timetable from Monday, 15 June.
The extra trains will help give passengers more options for travel, increasing the number of trains from 47% to 60%.
Some trains will be longer, with more seats for passengers. However, the operator is asking passengers to follow the five rules.
- 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.
David Simpson, ScotRail Operations Director, said: “Since the start of this pandemic, our staff across Scotland's Railway have done a fantastic job. We are incredibly proud of their efforts to help customers travel safely. Providing hand sanitiser is the latest measure to keep people safe, but our message to customers remains the same: people should only travel if it is essential. For those who do travel, Scotland's Railway cannot guarantee physical distancing at all stages of a journey because we only have a limited amount of capacity. That's why following our five rules for travel is vital, particularly on face coverings. We need everyone to take personal responsibility for their travel choices. There have been changes to our daily routine in everything we do, and the railway is no different.”
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