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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
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| Coronavirus: Commuters told to prepare to queue in new guidance | Coronavirus: Commuters told to prepare to queue in new guidance |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Commuters who will be using public transport to return to work are being warned to be prepared to queue, in new guidance issued by the government. | Commuters who will be using public transport to return to work are being warned to be prepared to queue, in new guidance issued by the government. |
| With more workplaces opening up on Wednesday, people have been urged to avoid public transport if possible. | With more workplaces opening up on Wednesday, people have been urged to avoid public transport if possible. |
| But for those who do have to use it, the guidance says: "Travel may take longer than normal on some routes." | |
| People who do travel have been warned services will carry "as few as a tenth of the usual number of passengers". | |
| Robert Nisbet, of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said: "We need everyone's help to keep trains for those who really need them, so please only use the railway if you absolutely have to." | |
| The government is asking people to consider cycling, walking or driving to work if possible. | The government is asking people to consider cycling, walking or driving to work if possible. |
| "If you do travel, thinking carefully about the times, routes and ways you travel will mean we will all have more space to stay safe," its guidance adds. | "If you do travel, thinking carefully about the times, routes and ways you travel will mean we will all have more space to stay safe," its guidance adds. |
| "Plan ahead by identifying alternative routes and options in case of unexpected disruption." | |
| Passengers should keep 2m (6ft) apart from others wherever possible and avoid the rush hour where feasible. | Passengers should keep 2m (6ft) apart from others wherever possible and avoid the rush hour where feasible. |
| They are also advised to wash their hands before and after travelling, and to be considerate to fellow commuters. | They are also advised to wash their hands before and after travelling, and to be considerate to fellow commuters. |
| The guidance adds that passengers should, if possible: | The guidance adds that passengers should, if possible: |
| Transport operators have been given guidance to ensure stations and services are regularly cleaned. | Transport operators have been given guidance to ensure stations and services are regularly cleaned. |
| Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We can all play our part by following the advice and reducing pressure on public transport." | Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We can all play our part by following the advice and reducing pressure on public transport." |
| 'Mixed message' | 'Mixed message' |
| Service levels on public transport have been reduced to about 50% around the UK since the lockdown came in. They are due to rise to about 70% from next Monday. | Service levels on public transport have been reduced to about 50% around the UK since the lockdown came in. They are due to rise to about 70% from next Monday. |
| Staff at stations have been mobilised to help passengers, there is extra signage and more announcements are being made. | Staff at stations have been mobilised to help passengers, there is extra signage and more announcements are being made. |
| However, rail unions have said they are worried about a rise in the number of people using the transport network. | However, rail unions have said they are worried about a rise in the number of people using the transport network. |
| At the start of May, before lockdown restrictions were slightly eased in England, the leaders of the Aslef, TSSA and RMT unions sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. | |
| It said: "We have severe concerns over attempts by operators to increase service levels. | It said: "We have severe concerns over attempts by operators to increase service levels. |
| "It sends out a mixed message that it is OK to travel by train, despite official advice suggesting otherwise. | "It sends out a mixed message that it is OK to travel by train, despite official advice suggesting otherwise. |
| "We are not convinced that there is any basis at this time for a safe escalation of services." | "We are not convinced that there is any basis at this time for a safe escalation of services." |