TfGM and police step up engagement as face covering use falls on public transport

Police, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and public transport operators will increase their presence on the city’s transport network as they report a reduction in compliance with face covering rules.

It has been mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport in England since 15th June, and compliance in Greater Manchester was initially very positive with up to 90% of train, bus and tram passengers keeping their nose and mouth covered while travelling. However, by the week commencing 6th July, compliance with the directive had fallen to an average of 70%: peak evening Metrolink services saw only 60% of passengers using a face covering on average.

To remind passengers of their responsibility to keep themselves and others safe and increase compliance, the TravelSafe Partnership will be holding a week of action, starting from Thursday 16th July.

This will include high visibility patrols by police and transport staff as well as increased education and engagement with passengers.

Police and transport staff will be speaking to people not wearing face coverings, encouraging them to wear one and checking whether they have an exemption. If not, police and transport staff will enforce the rules and passengers may be prevented from boarding or asked to leave public transport until they have provided themselves with a face covering. Failure to comply with the direction result in a £100 fine.

TfGM and transport operator staff will also be on hand at key city centre transport locations to hand out face coverings to those requiring them.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

From this week passengers will start to see an increased presence across the networks as we seek to project a safety first approach and boost people’s confidence in our public transport network.

“Although we would rather persuade passengers to do the right thing and wear a face covering if they can, they need to be aware that we can ask them to leave or even fine them up to £100 if they refuse.

“We would also ask passengers to bear in mind that some people may have a justifiable reason for not wearing a mask and we’ve issued them with journey assist cards to help with that instance.”

Chief Inspector Gareth Firth from Greater Manchester Police’s Transport Unit, said:

It is important for us all to be responsible and protect each other from Coronavirus by adhering to the Government’s latest guidance. Wearing a face covering whilst travelling on public transport forms part of that guidance.

“We are grateful to those people that are playing their part in keeping public transport safe by following the guidelines, and we will be working alongside TFGM to ensure this continues.

“If officers come across passengers that are not wearing face coverings when on public transport, we will engage with passengers and encourage them to comply with the latest regulations.”