Sheffield public transport users express concern over health and safety

Customers using public transport in Sheffield are concerned about a lack of social distancing on services, with some saying that ‘it’s like a pandemic doesn’t exist anymore’.
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Seats had been cordoned off at the start to allow customers to social distance but some of these cordons have since been removed following the move from the two to one metre rule.

Concerns over health and safety have been raised, as people say there are some people who also do not wear masks - face coverings have been mandatory on public transport in England since June 15, except for those who are exempt.

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Janet Evans, a bus passenger, said: “There were literally people sitting in front of each other on my bus. Although most were wearing masks, it does make me feel a little anxious.

Pictured are Buses in and around Sheffield City Centre. Picture: Steve EllisPictured are Buses in and around Sheffield City Centre. Picture: Steve Ellis
Pictured are Buses in and around Sheffield City Centre. Picture: Steve Ellis

“But I saw another bus go past and it looked exactly the same, it’s like a pandemic doesn’t exist anymore.”

Terry Tony, a train passenger, added: “On my way into Sheffield, the social distancing was pretty good but on my way out of Sheffield, other people were in closer proximity.

“It was noticeably busier but no one is checking where people sit, or whether they’re wearing masks so people are just going to sit wherever really.”

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It appears there is now more emphasis on customers to know the rules on public transport, rather than be guided with crossed off seats or be encouraged to wear a face mask for example.

Passengers travel wearing facemasks on a tram (Photo by DENIS LOVROVIC / AFP) (Photo by DENIS LOVROVIC/AFP via Getty Images)Passengers travel wearing facemasks on a tram (Photo by DENIS LOVROVIC / AFP) (Photo by DENIS LOVROVIC/AFP via Getty Images)
Passengers travel wearing facemasks on a tram (Photo by DENIS LOVROVIC / AFP) (Photo by DENIS LOVROVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

Warren Smith said he wears his face mask on the bus ‘but so many don’t and nothing gets said’.

Nev Hart believes there ‘will always be the minority who will refuse’ but that we ‘all must do our bit’. He added: “I can see more problems and awkward situations for public transport staff.”

A spokesperson for Northern said: “We are doing all we can to make our stations and trains as safe as possible for our customers and staff.

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“We have an enhanced cleaning plan in place, with more than 400 dedicated staff, focusing on touch points, toilets and removal of litter.

Stagecoach says it has 'lots of extra safety measures in place'.Stagecoach says it has 'lots of extra safety measures in place'.
Stagecoach says it has 'lots of extra safety measures in place'.

“We’re also advising customers to keep their distance and have reminders on posters and stickers on our trains and at our stations – we also have automated announcements to make everyone aware that, where possible, social distancing guidelines should be followed.

“And, of course, we’re reminding all our customers that, unless they have specific exemptions, they should wear a face mask on our trains and at our stations.

“Colleagues from British Transport Police continue to support our staff in helping encourage customers to wear face coverings.”

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Stagecoach also has a similar stance, reiterating that it is following government advice at a national level.

Northern says it is 'doing all we can to make our stations and trains as safe as possible for our customers and staff'.Northern says it is 'doing all we can to make our stations and trains as safe as possible for our customers and staff'.
Northern says it is 'doing all we can to make our stations and trains as safe as possible for our customers and staff'.

Cleaning has been described as ‘excellent’ and bus drivers have been encouraging customers to wear face masks.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “As more people return to work and more and more leisure and hospitality services open up across the region, we're proud to be continuing to play a crucial role in making sure we can connect people with the places they need to be.

“We have lots of extra safety measures in place including extra cleaning on buses so our services are fully Covid-19 secure, and with customers also following all the government rules in place, for example, wearing face coverings on buses, people can have confidence in travelling with us.

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"Due to social distancing, capacity on buses will be lower than normal so we'd urge customers to plan their journeys and check our Busy Bus app for the latest information on our services.”

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