How to travel by train safely during the pandemic

If any good has come out of the pandemic it has forced us to savour the simple things we used to take for granted; from visiting friends and family to travelling on public transport. But, as restrictions lift slowly to outdoor visits for up to six people or two households, is it safe to travel by train now?

Travelling abroad is still prohibited

The ‘stay at home rule’ ended on 29 March 2021, but many restrictions are still in place. The police may not be able to fine those who travel around the UK but travelling abroad is still banned, bar a small number of permitted reasons. The suggestions are still to keep journeys to a minimum and you must wear a face-covering onboard and at stations (unless you’re exempt).

What if you have to travel to see family?

Government guidance states that you can enter England from other parts of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. If you need to visit family then keep changing trains or stops to a minimum. For example, hopping on a train to Brighton is easy as you can find direct trips from your local station to Brighton station. However, the journey can be overpopulated due to the warmer season coming up, so check restrictions and ensure you travel during quieter times so you are able to maintain social distancing during your journey.

If you have to travel to visit your family then there are certain things you must do to ensure you stay safe during the pandemic:

• Wash your hands before and after travelling – there will be a hand sanitiser available at each station
• Keep apart from people and maintain social distance. Limit the number of people or households that you come into contact with.
• Avoid touching your face at all times
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze
• Travel side by side or behind people, rather than facing them
• Only touch surfaces where required for safe travel
• Stay outdoors where possible
• Minimise time spent being close to others on the train or at the station
• Avoid loud talking, shouting or singing
• Dispose of any waste safely, including disposable face coverings
• Find quieter services and avoid travelling during peak times, which are generally between 6.30 and 7.30 am. It is easier to maintain social distancing during the evening peak
• Use contactless or buy your tickets online to avoid transmission at each station.
• Do not travel if you feel unwell in any way or if you are experiencing Coronavirus symptoms like a high temperature, new continuous cough or loss/change of sense of smell or taste.
• Only travel if you have to. Stay at home where you can and avoid making necessary trips. Combine trips where possible.
• Consider other forms of transport like walking or cycling where possible. Avoid car sharing from anyone outside your household or support bubble
• Do not stay away from home overnight at this stage
• Download the NHS COVID-19 app before you travel and check-in where you see the official NHS COVID-19 QR code posters

There is a fine if you break the rules

People aged 18 or over can be fined:

• £200 for the first offence, lowered to £100 if paid within fourteen days
• £400 for the second offence, then doubling for each further offence, up to a maximum of £6,400
• Check the rules for social contact for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as they may differ.

As long as you use your common sense and maintain safety guidelines, as well as keeping travel to a minimum, you can still visit family provided you’ve followed the above guidelines. If everyone follows the rules, we can hopefully see the back of this pandemic sooner rather than later!

*Collaborative feature post*