Do I still need to wear a face mask on public transport?

FREEDOM Day in England has finally arrived but not every Covid restriction has been entirely lifted.

While it is no longer mandatory passengers on public transport are still urged to cover their faces with a mask.

Do I still need to wear a face mask on public transport?

Masks will no longer be required by law from July 19, but the government said it “expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport,” to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Instead of being mandatory the government is asking people to take personal responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe from infection.

There may be no legal need to wear a mask on public transport many operators and mayors have said they will still be required.

Buses and coaches

Most coach and bus passengers will not be required to wear a mask while travelling.

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), which represents 95 per cent of buses and coaches, said it would not make them compulsory.

The confederation, which incorporates Stagecoach, First Group, Go Ahead and Arriva, said: “We expect that many people, especially in busy places, will follow the prime minister’s call to continue to wear a face covering as a courtesy to others.”

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Trains

It’s a similar situation on trains, with no passengers having to wear a mask.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents all UK train and tram operators, said “rail travel is low-risk” and claimed most carriages are “well ventilated by air conditioning systems or by doors and windows”.

Regional variations

There are some regional variations to those general rules.

In West Yorkshire people must continue to wear face masks indoors at bus stations.

In Manchester and the North East Metro passengers and those on Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram services and at Manchester Airport still have to wear face coverings.

In the Liverpool city region masks are mandatory on Mersey Ferries and the ferry landing stage.

What are the face mask rules on public transport in London?

The situation in London is largely different from the rest of England.

Passengers using any of services provided by Transport for London (TfL) are expected to wear a face covering.

This includes the Tube, bus, tram, Docklands Light Railway, Overground and TfL Rail.

Passengers must wear a mask in the station and for the entire length of their journey.

Enforcement officers in London have the power to deny access or remove passengers who are found to not be complying with the mask requirement.

TfL has also said it will ensure taxi and private hire vehicle drivers and passengers wear masks, unless exempt.

Will I be fined if I don’t wear a face mask on public transport?

Passengers will no longer run the risk of being fined.

Along with the mandatory regulations about wearing a mask the threat of a £200 fine is also being lifted.

The government though “expects and recommends” that people should continue to wear them, unless exempt, in crowded areas such as public transport.