Coronavirus: Bus and train passengers 'expected' to wear face coverings

Passengers are being urged to use face coverings on public transport in new guidance issued ahead of the easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson called for more flexibility in working hours in an attempt to reduce the rush hour demand on services.

He encouraged people to walk or cycle, and to work from home where possible.

And he added: "Please come prepared with your face covering when using public transport."

Mr Matheson set out the fresh guidance for bus and train passengers in a statement in Holyrood on Tuesday.

He said: "Even with measures being put in place by transport operators, it can be difficult for people to maintain physical distances throughout their journey in some forms of public transport.

"I know with my discussion with trade unions, operators and from the surveys of public sentiment, that these are real and live concerns."

Mr Matheson added: "For that reason people should and are expected to wear face coverings as an additional measure when using public transport as a consideration to staff and to fellow passengers."

He said there would be situations were this was not practical and the details of that were in the guidance.

It is expected that a review of the current restrictions on Thursday will lead to the beginning of phase one of the Scottish government's route map out of lockdown.

The main focus will be an acceleration of the "test and protect" strategy.

"Although the new NHS Scotland Test and Protect strategy will offer comfort to the public, we cannot afford to be complacent," said Mr Matheson.

"The virus is still with us, and the transport system has a vital role to play in the next stage of recovery."

Mr Matheson said that due to physical distancing measures, operators estimate that public transport capacity will be at 10-25% of its normal levels.

"I am urging employers, operators and the public to embrace these changes and help us all adapt to a new environment which has flexible and remote working at its core, for the immediate future at least, flattens peak travel demand and has a strong focus on active travel," he said.

"We are looking to increase the frequency of public transport, but reducing the demand for transport is vitally important.

"We are urging employers to show leadership and be as flexible as possible to allow earlier or later starting and finishing times for those that have to travel to work."

His guidance is being published alongside a new transport transition plan - a "dynamic and evolving" web-based publication which will share current guidance with stakeholders and members of the public.

Meanwhile, the Scottish government has also published guidance for the manufacturing sector and the retail sector.

The documents look at ways in which staff can return to work safely as the lockdown is eased.

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Many businesses have been adapting to new ways of working with a significant proportion of staff working from home.

"While many people will continue with this, there are areas where it is not possible.

"We are listening to how businesses have made changes and, in discussion with them, to see how these changes can be safely applied to allow reopening."