Great Western Coffee Shop

Things you'll no longer be able to do on public transport in Wales

People in Wales will be banned from talking on the phone, singing, eating and reading newspapers while travelling on public transport in a bid to contain coronavirus.

The Welsh government has issued guidelines to people catching a train or bus in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The directive, published this week, says a number of new measures have been introduced including warning people not to run for buses.

It states that people should travel in "relative silence" to restrict the chance of "aerosol transmission".

The advice says:
* Travel in relative silence - no ‘loud’ activities in public transport (like singing) (this would be to reduce potential aerosol transmission)
* Do not use mobile ‘phones for talk on public transport except in an emergency (aerosol transmission)
* No running in transport hubs (aerosol transmission)
* Don’t run for the bus (aerosol transmission) – drivers to be alert and wait
* No newspapers
* Do not consume food or drink on public transport (except for example on medical grounds)

The measures are included in a document called Restarting Public Transport: Guidance for Operators.

It also advises people to only travel if essential and warns people not to travel if they feel unwell, even with mild symptoms.

Administrative controls

• Notices about queuing and which seats to use
  
• Enhance “Travel Safer” messages to “Work Remotely” where possible
  
• Messaging around keeping 2m apart in transport hubs, on platforms and within carriages/buses where possible
  
• Travel in relative silence - no ‘loud’ activities in public transport (like singing) (this would be to reduce potential aerosol transmission)
  
• Do not use mobile ‘phones for talk on public transport except in an emergency (aerosol transmission)
  
• No running in transport hubs (aerosol transmission)
  
• Don’t run for the bus (aerosol transmission) – drivers to be alert and wait
  
• No newspapers
  
• Do not consume food or drink on public transport (except for example on medical grounds)
  
• Enhance training for bus drivers and cleaning staff about how to clean their vehicles more effectively.
  
• Booked seats only available (generally trains: buses and coaches where possible) – enforced by security staff (not transport staff)
  

This isn’t the first time that this story has done the rounds, and the last time I wondered whether the announcement had been postponed from April 1st. I’m still not convinced that it isn’t now but, if true, perhaps it goes to show how divorced from the real world politicians and civil servants often become.

Can you actually the vast majority of people under 35 not using their phones?

Can you imagine a trainload of triumphant rugby supporters going home from Cardiff to Swansea without singing and shouting?

Does chewing gum count as eating?

So newspapers are banned. What about magazines? What about books? Can you read a hard copy version of The Bible but not the Jewish Chronicle? That'll go down well...

And most important of all, who is going to enforce any of this?

Now don’t get me wrong – I am not falling into the trap of asking for a weighty tome of definitions (especially in written report form – might be confused for a newspaper....) that would only throw up as many anomalies as it sought to clear up. I am merely pointing out the inherent absurdities in this story taken at face value.

And it might not just be triumphant rugby fans – I am reminded of a line from The Navy Lark delivered by Sub-Lt Phillips, no doubt to Able Seaman Goldsteam:

“I’ve known many Welshmen who couldn’t sing. But never one who didn’t”  :)

Yes, but ... if you read the words in that extract, they contradict themselves twice.

...

But then, no-one ever really reads things, do they?

These items were just extracts from a long list of possible restrictions the Welsh Government produced and made available to TFW as different things they could consider and take up if they so wished and nothing set in stone.  Because of the nature of the items a story was made out of it and spread with people believing it as gospel.

If there was an option to ban Welsh rugby fans from talking and singing for at least a month after a victory over England I would definitely support it!!!

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Can you actually the vast majority of people under 35 not using their phones?

Can you imagine a trainload of triumphant rugby supporters going home from Cardiff to Swansea without singing and shouting?

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Hi Customer,

This is just a reminder that in Wales our trains are still only for essential travel and key workers. Please always Travel Safer:

* Stay safe - in Wales only travel if it’s essential, to help those with no other option, and don’t travel if you’re feeling unwell
* Avoid busy periods - try not to touch surfaces like buttons, doors or your face and try to avoid eating.
* Follow our latest travel advice, stay 2 metres apart, wash your hands or use hand sanitiser and wear a face covering.
* Exercise while you travel - walk or cycle for short journeys if you can.
* Respect our staff and other passengers at all times.

Also, don’t forget you must wear a face covering on public transport and put it on before travelling, unless you’re exempt.
Please be respectful, not everyone can wear a face covering. For guidance visit trc.cymru/face-coverings.

The Welsh Government has confirmed the essential travel restriction on public transport will be lifted from tomorrow (Monday, 17 August), opening up trains and buses to more potential passengers.

The essential travel message was introduced to prioritise the travel of key workers, as well as those with no alternative mode of transport.

The lifting of the restriction comes as the number of coronavirus cases continues to fall. It is the latest in the Welsh Government’s step-by-step approach to making changes to coronavirus restrictions.

Over recent months the Welsh Government has provided funding to support public transport, helping to make up for the inevitable loss of revenue. Most recently this included last week’s announcement of £10m to support the bus industry in providing more services.

The requirement to wear a face covering on public transport in Wales remains in place, although there are some exceptions such as being unable to wear one because of a physical or mental illness.

Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said:

As we continue to carefully ease restrictions we are able to lift the essential travel message that was in place to allow our key workers to travel safely.

But with the virus still in circulation it’s essential that people act responsibility when using public transport. This will involve planning journeys to avoid busy periods if possible, and washing or sanitising hands at the start and end of each trip. Face coverings are mandatory on public transport and could lead to passengers being refused travel if they are not being worn.

I’d like to thank all those who’ve helped keep Wales safe so far, including the staff who have kept our public transport network running during these difficult times.

Because there are so many Anglo-Welsh train services, the rule has caused confusion and controversy among would-be rail travellers.

CrossCountry and GWR have opened their trains to all, even for journeys solely within Wales – such as Newport to Cardiff.

Conversely, passengers wishing to travel between two English stations such as Crewe and Manchester on a Transport for Wales train have been asked to do so only when essential.

Mark Smith, the former British Rail executive who now runs the Seat61.com international rail website, said: “It’s about time we stopped running empty trains.”

Conversely, passengers wishing to travel between two English stations such as Crewe and Manchester on a Transport for Wales train have been asked to do so only when essential.