Forum Topic

Face Masks & Public Transport

I have used public transport about 5 times since lockdown began.  On the train or underground there seems to be plenty of social distancing and travellers are wearing face masks, including me. Today, I was on the 37 bus.  The majority of passengers were wearing facemasks, however several weren’t.  It is far more difficult to social distance on a bus.  The women sat right behind me didn’t wear a mask, and the woman stood in front of me clutched a piece of tissue to her face.  A couple of boys got on and didn’t put on a mask until they were halfway down the bus.  The maximum number of passengers allowed on buses is 20 at the moment, but I thought there were more than that on the bus. My opinion is that if you don’t put on a face mask before you get on the bus, then you shouldn’t be allowed on.  Is it compulsory or not?

Martine Guy ● 2327d13 Comments

I was under the impression that TfL rules stated  you wouldn't be allowed on the bus  unless you are wearing a mask. Perhaps check out  their website and report it Martine?

Lucille Grant ● 2327d

I thought there were some exceptions.  For example, people who suffer from asthma find it very difficult to breathe through the masks.  How you can identify a true asthmatic from a not-so-true asthmatic I do not know.  

Ivonne Holliday ● 2327d

Thanks for the replies.  I don’t really understand why there should be exceptions, either we are trying to stop spreading the Coronavirus or we are not.  My view is that facemasks should be compulsory on public transport.  If you try to get on a bus without a mask, then the bus doesn’t move from the stop and you cannot board. I have thought about reporting today’s 37 bus journey, but am trying to de stress  (not distress!) myself so I do not want to.

Martine Guy ● 2327d

I thought mask-wearing was mandatory. It should be on all public transport.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2327d

Face coverings on all forms of public transport have been mandatory since 15th June.  Allegedly.  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/face-coverings-to-become-mandatory-on-public-transport

Sue Hammond ● 2327d

I agree. I was on an 85 and three people got on with no mask, two with masks under their chins and someone also putting their mask on once they sat down. Must  be tough for drivers to refuse but I too thought this was compulsory.

Maxine Campbell ● 2327d

Another tragedy of our present Govt's completely woolly "rules".  They're so scared of getting tough and telling people how it is, ridiculous!!https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2020/june/face-coverings-must-be-worn-on-public-transport-network-from-monday-15-june

Bunny Payne ● 2327d

I complained to TFL when, on my first trip out of Putney on the 270, the vast majority of paasengers were not wearing masks. Tfl replied that drivers can only politely request people to wear a mask as some have exemptions on health grounds.

Jane O'Callaghan ● 2327d

It's a farce Jane. There's no way of proving whether someone has a health condition preventing them wearing a mask.

Lucille Grant ● 2327d

Unfortunately having a protocol that relies on common sense and people taking personal responsibility is bound to fail in this country.  As recently demonstrated with all the mass gatherings by protestors and pleasure seekers.  Bus drivers are being put in a very difficult position; firstly they cannot prevent anybody from boarding the bus.  If they see that someone is not wearing a face covering, what can they do?  Refuse to continue the journey unless the person gets off?  If that person refuses what can the bus driver do?  Absolutely nothing.

Sue Hammond ● 2327d

The drivers aren't about to enforce the rule and risk verbal and/or physical abuse. If the police are used as punchbags where would that leave a lone bus driver?

Simon Knight ● 2326d

On the same basis, would TfL say if anyone gets on the bus walks past the card reader then the driver will politely ask them to pay but if they don't then too bad? 

Michael Ixer ● 2326d

I've seen many a youth jump the barrier at Putney Stn...do the staff intervene? NO! Can't blame them, I wouldn't want a set-to either.Can't say it's right, just the times we live in.

Simon Knight ● 2326d