Following the rise of anti-social behaviour, this weekend Transport for Wales is going to be using extra staff across the network.
Ever since the firebreak lockdown in Wales ended, there has been an increase in numbers of passengers using Transport for Wales trains.
With the pre-Christmas sales, shoppers have been taking advantage of going into towns and cities and all the rugby fans visiting pubs across Wales to watch Wales vs England on Saturday.
BTP and TfW are asking for passengers to check before travelling, check travel advice and make use of the recently-launched Capacity Checker to avoid busy periods.
Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said: “I want to thank the vast majority of people who are travelling on our trains responsibly – as well as the Transport for Wales' staff and the British Transport Police who make sure all passengers get to their destinations and back home safely.
“Physically distancing ourselves from other people where possible and wearing face coverings, unless exempt, will help suppress this awful virus.”
The staff from TfW had to refuse almost 200 passengers last weekend for being anti-social, not wearing a face covering or not being fit to travel.
Across the network, more than two-thousand passengers have been asked to wear a face-covering, as it is a legal requirement, on all public transport in Wales.
Leyton Powell, TfW safety and assurance director said: “The Wales and borders network is one of the safest in the UK, thanks to the hard work of TfW and BTP staff and the responsible behaviour of the vast majority of our passengers.
“As passenger numbers have grown in recent weeks, unfortunately, we've also seen a small rise in anti-social behaviour and people failing to comply with the rules around face coverings.
“We want to reassure our customers we have deployed extra staff on trains and stations, especially on weekends, helping to keep everyone using our network safe.
“As we enter the Christmas period, we are introducing even further measures to help people who may be unable to travel as a result of excess alcohol. This includes respite for vulnerable people, staff able to offer water and the use of rest areas until they are safe to travel.”
BTP Chief Inspector Jon Cooze said: “Our officers and PCSOs will continue patrolling the rail network, supporting rail staff in engaging with passengers about the importance of maintaining social distancing and reminding those who are travelling to wear face coverings.
“We urge the public to continue to act responsibly and play their part in helping to protect themselves, and each other, by following the guidance and restrictions set out by the Government, as well as complying with the requirement to wear face coverings.”
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