Face coverings will be compulsory on South Yorkshire public transport

The new rules will come in following the Government announcement made today (June 4) by Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps.

The face covering can be a face mask of the kind given out as PPE, but a cloth covering made out of a scarf or a bandana will also be accepted.

The rules around face coverings will apply to all public transport in the county, including buses, trams, tram trains and trains.

Stephen Edwards, Executive Director of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), said: “The safety of passengers and staff remains our priority and this mandate will help people who have no alternative to public transport to be able to travel safely.

“By wearing a face covering you will be playing your part, protecting yourself and those around you.”

Social distancing rules will remain in place on all forms of public transport, at stops and in interchanges.

Mr Edwards reminded people that this means that capacity on public transport remains much lower than it would usually be.

He added: “Please continue to avoid using public transport unless it is absolutely necessary. If possible, work from home and think about how and when you travel, choosing walking or cycling if you can.”

Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, said: “We now need clear guidance from the government on these new measures and on how they can be safely and reasonably enforced.

“SYPTE are working hard to ensure our buses and trams are as safe as possible, giving confidence to passengers, as well as drivers and conductors working on them.

“The more you can stay at home, the more you isolate, the safer you will be and the sooner we can get this disease under control. I urge people to use common sense and avoid unnecessary travel. Only use public transport if other methods such as walking or cycling are not possible.”

The Government has published a guide to wearing and making a simple face covering here.

Emergency public transport timetables remain in place. Customers can get the latest information online or by calling Traveline on 01709 515151.