TfGM offers guidance for safe travel as hospitality businesses reopen

As more businesses reopen, particularly the hospitality and leisure section, during July, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has released updated advice for safe travel for customers and employees in the sector.

Due to social distancing guidelines public transport continues to operate at a reduced capacity and so TfGM are asking the public to think carefully about their travel choices when travelling to work, or to visit bars and restaurants. The advice forms part of the Safely Reopening GM initiative, launched in June by TfGM, GMCA and the Growth Company to ensure that employers and employees have all the information they need to work and travel safely during the continuing pandemic.

In order for everyone to be able to travel safely around Greater Manchester, TfGM is asking everyone to:

• Help keep yourself and everyone safe when you’re outside the home by thinking about how and when you travel and following safety guidance.
• Consider all other travel options before using public transport, including cycling and walking.
• Plan ahead, allow extra time for your journeys and be patient when travelling.
• If you are travelling, avoid the busiest times and routes – check the TfGM website for further information.
• On public transport, you must wear a face covering unless you are exempt. Keep your distance from others, clean your hands frequently and use contactless payment.

Employees and employers are also being asked to have dialogue about how they can avoid public transport use, especially at peak times between 5pm and 7pm.

For people looking to make the most of bars, restaurants and other businesses having reopened, TfGM is also asking people to plan their journeys ahead of time – both to and from their destination – and cycle, walk or consider taxis and private hire services as an alternative to public transport.