As public transport use across Greater Manchester increases as more people return to workplaces and education, TfGM is reminding passengers of alternative travel options to keep buses, trams and trains Covid-secure.
A higher percentage of commuters are now using their cars, or choosing active travel options (walking and cycling) over public transport. While passenger numbers on Greater Manchester’s public transport network are increasing, use at peak times remains lower than before the pandemic, however car journeys and cyclist numbers are back at pre-pandemic levels.
As more people return to services, passengers are being reminded of the part they can play to help limit the spread of the virus. Actions that people can take to mitigate when social distancing of at least one metre is not possible on public transport:
- Wear a face covering, unless exempt
- Sanitise your hands before and after your journey and limit cash handling by using contactless, smart tickets or apps
- Wait for the next service if you feel you cannot safely distance from others, be prepared to queue or take a different entrance or exit at stations
- Avoid consuming food or drink and touch as few surfaces as possible
- Travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow
Customers are also being asked to plan ahead and consider travelling outside the peak periods if possible when services may be less busy. The Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership has held and will continue to hold days of action, reminding passengers of the potential of £100 fines for not wearing a face covering.
In response to rising passenger numbers on public transport, TfGM is working with operators to run as many services as possible and ensuring enhanced cleaning programmes are in place to keep vehicles, stops and stations clean. Metrolink is using all vehicles available to operate two in every three trams as ‘doubles’, while more than £2m in funding has been secured to run almost 300 additional bus trips a day, to support pupils returning to school.
Hand sanitiser dispensers have also been installed and face coverings made available at interchanges, information has been provided across the entire network advising people of the latest advice and guidance and work is continuing with schools and businesses to promote flexible travelling schemes and safer travel.
Transport for Greater Manchester Customer Director, Stephen Rhodes, said:
Although still nowhere near the normal levels, the demand on our services is starting to increase and we have worked hard and introduced lots of measures to make sure the transport network is as safe, clean and reliable as possible.
“We would still urge people to cycle or walk to school, college or work if you can, and if using public transport to plan ahead and try to avoid peak hours at the start and end of each day to keep the load on roads and public transport down.
“It’s also vital that those who use the transport networks remember to follow the basic rules – wash your hands, wear a face covering, use contactless payment and try to maintain a distance of one metre wherever possible.
“We know that this is not always possible, particular as the peak periods start to get busier, which is why we are working with operators to run as many services as possible and ensuring vehicles, stops and stations are cleaned regularly.
“With infection rates across Greater Manchester rising and all but essential travel advised in Oldham and Bolton, these simple measures can have a big impact – so let’s work together to stop the spread.”