Face coverings a must for train passengers

Face coverings are a must for everyone travelling on public transport in England from today.

Main stations across Network Rail’s North West and Central region – London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street - are equipped with face covering vending machines, hand sanitiser stations and new signage to make sure all passengers making essential journeys can travel safely.

Government guidance is to avoid public transport and only travel by train if you absolutely have to - and if you do, wear a face covering, avoid peak times if possible and maintain a two-metre distance from other passengers.

Rather than protecting the wearer, evidence suggests face coverings can protect other people from someone who may be infected.

Jake Kelly, passenger director for Network Rail's North West & Central region, said: “I’d like to thank all our passengers for doing their bit and avoiding train travel during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Moving past Covid19 requires a national team effort. Each of us must do our bit. That includes wearing face coverings and staying two metres apart from other passengers and station staff if at all possible.

“As we enter this new phase, it is perhaps more important than ever for each of us to be safe, be patient and be kind.”

Jake added: “There may be medical or other reasons why people can’t wear a face covering. In that case, our staff will be reasonable and kind. Our priority is simply to keep passengers and staff safe.”

Network Rail’s managed stations throughout the North West and Central region have implemented a variety of safety measures for passengers who do need to travel.

Liverpool Lime Street:
• Signage throughout the station to help passengers navigate safely
• Queuing and one-way systems to ensure social distancing measures can be upheld 
• Increased staffing levels to oversee safe travel for passengers

Manchester Piccadilly:
• Signage throughout the station to help passengers navigate safely
• 60+ hand sanitiser stations with a one-way system 
• From 7am – 10pm, staff will be present at each station entrance with a supply of face coverings for passengers who don’t have one
• All station staff, train operating staff, and retail staff will be wearing face coverings.
• Increased staffing levels to oversee safe travel for passengers