Nine out of 10 ScotRail passengers follow Covid-19 safety guidelines

ScotRail says most rail customers have been following on-board safety guidance during journeys – but around one in 10 have not.

The company extended thanks to those who had adhered its five rules for safer travel while making essential trips on reduced services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It estimates that around 90 per cent of customers had followed the guidance since the wearing of face coverings was made mandatory on Monday June 22.

A limited supply of face masks is being made available at more than 20 of Scotland’s busiest stations with more than 20,000 already given away.

The aim is to help people get used to the “new normal” for rail travel, with staff across the network also provided with masks and visors to help keep them and customers safe.

But the operator is keen to remind travellers that face masks will only be available for a limited time, after which they will need to take personal responsibility for travel choices. ScotRail has also made it clear it is unable to guarantee physical distancing at all stages of a customer’s journey.

The five rules for safer travel are:

Do not travel if you feel unwell or have a temperature.

Travel away from the main commuting times (7 am to 9 am, and 4pm to 6.30pm) wherever possible, with the earliest and latest trains serving key workers.

Don’t board a train you think is unsafe, wait for another service.

Wear a face mask or covering and, where possible, maintain physical distancing.

Be patient. You might not be able to board your first choice of train, as physical distancing means most seats need to be left empty.

Customers are also being warned to expect an increase in the time it takes to buy a ticket at a station and board a train, with Scotrail encouraging customers to pre-purchase tickets online.

ScotRail operations director David Simpson said: “It has been a very positive first week with the new mandatory guidance on wearing face coverings.

“We are delighted that so many people are joining our hard-working staff to keep everyone safe.

“We are doing everything we can to help customers get used to the changes in rail travel and that’s why we are currently providing face masks at our busiest stations.

“But we remind our customers making essential journeys that this is only for a limited period, and they should be prepared for having their own face covering over the coming weeks and months.”

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