PM ends ‘avoid public transport’ messaging

Public transport operators have welcomed the Government’s decision to drop the advice for people in England to avoid using public transport because of Covid-19.

The Prime Minister announced the change of messaging last Friday (17). “In England, from today we are making clear that anybody may use public transport, while of course encouraging people to consider alternative means of transport where they are available.”

Confederation of Passenger Transport chief executive Graham Vidler said: “Operators have worked hard to ensure that buses are safe for both passengers and drivers. Moving away from the damaging ‘avoid public transport message’ will be an important step in giving people the confidence to travel and we look forward to welcoming more passengers back onto buses.

 “We now need the Government to work with operators to encourage greater bus use as part of the green recovery. Without encouraging people back onto public transport we risk poorer air quality and increased congestion in our towns and cities as people continue to travel by car.”

Boris Johnson set out a timetable for opening up more parts of the economy in England as the number of new cases of Covid-19 in the UK continues to register below 1,000 a day and the number of deaths below 100 a day. 

From 25 July, indoor gyms, pools and other sports facilities can reopen. 

The Government’s advice on going to work will change on 1 August

“Instead of Government telling people to work from home, we are going to give employers more discretion, and ask them to make decisions about how their staff can work safely,” said the PM.

“That could mean of course continuing to work from home, which is one way of working safely and which has worked for many employers and employees.

“Or it could mean making workplaces safe by following Covid Secure guidelines. Whatever employers decide, they should consult closely with their employees, and only ask people to return to their place of work if it is safe.”

Turning to education, he said schools, nurseries and colleges will in September for all children and young people on a full-time basis.

“And universities are also working to reopen as fully as possible.”

“From October, we intend to bring back audiences in stadia and to allow conferences and other business events to recommence – again, these changes must be done in a Covid Secure way, subject to the successful outcome of pilots.”