Coronavirus has changed the way we all use public transport. The Welsh Government has asked everyone to think carefully about making journeys and only travel when it is necessary to do so. People are encouraged to work from home if possible. If you do need to travel on public transport, here are some things you need to know.
Face coverings
You must wear a face covering on public transport to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus to other travelers and staff unless you’re exempt. Face coverings are mandatory where physical distancing can be difficult to achieve such as on public transport. Face coverings could help provide some control of the virus in specific circumstances, but they don’t replace the need for physical distancing or washing your hands regularly.
Travelling by train
Transport for Wales is helping to keep passengers safer by asking them to wear a face covering. Make sure you have a face covering with you and put it on before:
going into a train station car park
entering a station
going onto a platform
using a waiting room
getting on your bus or train
Face coverings needn’t be worn by children under the age of 11, disabled persons or people who experience breathing difficulties. The Welsh Government’s full list of exceptions can be found here
Social distancing measures at stations and on trains
Transport for Wales is also implementing the following measures:
increased train and station cleaning
use of enhanced cleaning products
hand sanitizer in dispensers at staffed stations for the use of customers and colleagues
maintenance of hand washing facilities in toilets
availability of contactless payments methods, self-service ticket machines and e-tickets on website, app and mobile devices
Socially distancing at stations
Passengers are asked to:
respect others’ space by maintaining a two-metre distance, where possible, whilst moving around stations and platforms
arrive at the station in plenty of time to board your train and follow the directional signage which is in place at stations
comply with the queuing systems which will be in place at some stations for social distancing purposes
pay attentions to signage and station announcements which will ensure safe queuing for passengers
Social distancing on trains
Transport for Wales:
has added extra carriages to services where possible and passenger numbers are limited on each service to support social distancing
asks passengers to check how busy your train is likely to be with our capacity checker
requests that passengers keep their distance and avoid sitting directly next to other passengers
asks travelers to avoid facing other passengers
note that standing, (other than to board or leave the train), is discouraged. Notices that discourage standing are displayed in areas where customers naturally stand, such as in doorways
For more information on travelling by train in Wales, click here
Travelling by bus in Cardiff
Face coverings are mandatory on buses in Cardiff. However, the following passengers are exempt from wearing a face covering:
Children under the age of 11
You are not able to put on or to wear a face covering because of a physical or mental illness, or because of a disability or impairment;
You are accompanying somebody who relies on lip reading where they need to communicate; or
You are escaping from a threat or danger and don’t have a face covering
Cardiff Bus recommends passengers wash their hands as often as possible, and before and after each journey. Passengers should not travel if they feel unwell.
To keep passengers safe, Cardiff Bus has:
introduced a rigorous cleaning regime which including anti-viral cleaning products
provided drivers with PPE
added hand sanitiser to buses
reduced capacity on buses in line with social distancing guidance
added information and signage about socially distancing on its buses
drivers have a protective screen between them and passengers
updated its app and website so passengers can see if the bus they are waiting for is busy or not
security staff are carrying out spot checks on buses to make sure customers wear face coverings, unless they are exempt. If you are exempt from wearing a face covering on board Cardiff Bus, click here for an exemption card
Planning and social distancing
Cardiff Bus asks that passengers:
plan their journeys and check times before travelling. Timetables are available to view on the website and app.
travel during off-peak times if possible
allow extra time for their journeys. Due to social distancing, Cardiff Bus cannot transport as many people on each bus. You can check if your bus is busy or not before it arrives with our Capacity Checker.
face coverings are mandatory on public transport in Wales, so make sure you are prepared
At the bus stop
Cardiff Bus recommends that passengers should:
sit / stand two metres apart from other customers
raise an arm to let the driver know they want to board when the bus approaches
allow other customers off the bus before getting on
have the payment method ready. Payment with cash is still possible, but it will need to be exact fare as no change can be given. Payment is also possible pay via the mobile app, contactless or iff card
board the bus one at a time
consider wearing a three-layer face covering if your bus stop is busy.
On board the bus
Cardiff Bus stipulates that passengers should:
wear a face covering on buses. The World Health Organisation recommend wearing a three-layer face mask
take a seat as soon as possible. Note that customers are no longer able to stand on board whilst travelling
sit in the window seat and as far away from others as possible, unless they live in your household or extended household
not sit in the seats marked ‘leave this seat empty’
keep the windows open for ventilation
turn away from others if social distancing is not possible
catch all coughs and sneezes in a tissue and dispose of it in a bin as soon as possible
avoid eating and drinking
limit mobile phone calls
press the stop button and wait behind the line on the floor until the bus has stopped, when ready to alight the bus,
exit the bus one at a time
For information about travelling by bus in Cardiff, click here
