Some General Information received from SYPTE (for more information please visit the websites in the links above):
Further changes to public transport services and to advice for travel in South Yorkshire, with effect from Monday 15 June, as some schools start a phased return and retail outlets and stores start to reopen, following the easing of Government Covid-19 restrictions.
Covid-19 and Public transport
Strict national social distancing measures mean that South Yorkshire’s bus, tram and train networks will only be able to carry around 20 per cent of the normal number of passengers, even when 100 per cent of services are operating once again.
South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) will continue working closely with operators to review loading figures and ticket transactions, where possible, and address any overcrowding issues.
In line with government guidance, SYPTE is advising people to avoid public transport where possible, to lessen pressure on the network and to allow those that need to use it, where there is no alternative option, to stay safe. We are asking customers to avoid peak times, if possible, to walk or cycle if they can and only to use public transport for essential journeys if they have no other option.
Face coverings
Face coverings will be mandatory on board all public transport services from 15 June 2020. We are working with operators to understand how the new face covering regulations will work on board and will keep you updated in due course. We are also awaiting further government guidelines in relation to exemptions including for health reasons.
We have received a comuncation from SYPTE about help for vulnerable people as follows:
Help for vulnerable people using public transport
Strict national social distancing measures mean that South Yorkshire’s bus, tram and train networks will only be able to carry around 20 per cent of the normal number of passengers, even when 100 per cent of services are operating once again.
In line with government guidance, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is advising people to avoid public transport where possible, to lessen pressure on the network and to allow those that need to use it, where there is no alternative option, to stay safe. We are asking customers to avoid peak times, if possible, to walk or cycle if they can and only to use public transport for essential journeys if they have no other option.
We understand the importance of public transport for vulnerable people and as some schools start a phased return and retail outlets and stores start to reopen, following the easing of Government Covid-19 restrictions, we want to assure our customers that we continue to offer support to vulnerable customers.
What we are doing to help disabled people travel
We are encouraging customers who require assistance when travelling, who normally contact their transport operator ahead of time to continue to do so.
We have liaised with local operators who have advised their drivers and conductors continue to support customers, wherever possible, as well as asking customers to consider the travel needs of vulnerable passengers and those in a wheelchair.
Most buses will display vehicle capacity signs showing the maximum number of passengers that can be carried at any one time; and posters on buses will clearly show where passengers should/shouldn’t sit to maintain a safe distance. Customers are advised to sit in a window seat, leaving an empty row of seats in front and behind. Passengers are not permitted to stand on board vehicles.
Drivers and conductors will help visually impaired customers and people with hidden disabilities at stops and onboard, as before, to assist access. In addition, customers can continue to use the Journey Assistance cards, which customers can print out and show to the bus driver as a way of discretely asking for a little extra help. These are available https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-gb/journeyplanning/Journey-Assistance-Cards or on the operators websites.
If a bus driver has to leave their cab to help vulnerable customers, they will follow government advice and wear a face covering whilst they are in the open area of the bus, briefly in closer contact with the passenger.
To find out more about what help is available for vulnerable people please visit our website travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-gb/newsupdates/Help-for-vulnerable-people
Guidance for bus and rail staff to support blind and partially sighted people
The charity, Guide Dogs have produced some guidance for transport providers on how they can support blind and partially sighted people when using their services whilst social distancing measures are in place.
This guidance has been shared with local public transport operators for consideration alongside their own guidance to staff. Train operator, Northern, welcome the detailed and useful guidance prepared by Guide Dogs UK, which they will incorporate into their approach and preparations locally together with national policy developed across the rail industry.
Further information about the Guide Dogs charity and their guidance for transport operators can be found at guidedogs.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/research/Policy-and-guidance-for-businesses.
Journey planner
As things are changing from week to week during this crisis, we are not able to follow our usual process of updating journey planner. Instead, we're asking customers to regularly check the latest timetables at travelsouthyorkshire.com/Servicechanges/.
Community bus services
Community Bus services aren’t operating right now but please be assured providers are looking at what measures they can put in place to restart services safely. When Community Bus services are operating again, service information will be available at travelsouthyorkshire.com/transportaccessibility/
Travelling by public transport
Social distancing measures, leading to reduced space on public transport, mean it is likely that buses will reach capacity quickly and pupils waiting at a bus stop may see buses drive past with ‘Bus Full’ signs on their destination screens. When buses have reached capacity (when approximately one in every four seats is taken) the driver will only pull up at the stop to let a passenger get on if a passenger needs to get off. A strict ‘one-off, one-on’ policy will be in place. Customers will need to allow extra time for their journey and be prepared to wait as they may not be able to board a service if it is full.
Public transport staff are not able to enforce or police social distancing on their vehicles and customers are expected to be considerate, wear a face covering and distance themselves from others wherever possible. We all need to play our part to stay safe and help others to stay safe.
Face coverings will be mandatory on board all public transport services from 15 June 2020 and can help to protect you and those around you. We are working with operators to understand how the new face covering regulations will work on board and will keep you updated in due course. We are also awaiting further government guidelines in relation to exemptions including for health reasons.
How we are keeping vehicles and interchanges safe and clean
Our priority is the safety of passengers and staff and we need everyone to play their part, so services can safely continue to connect people to places.
All public transport operators and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) have enhanced procedures in place to keep vehicles and interchanges clean, with extra focus on common areas of customer contact such as all grab rails and poles, entrance door handles, window ledges and other touchpoints. Screens are fitted to all bus cabs, separating drivers from passengers and trains have segregated areas to separate staff and customers. Drivers and conductors also have access to masks, gloves and hand sanitiser and all staff are encouraged to wash their hands regularly.
Charges for the use of interchange toilet facilities have been lifted until further notice to give everyone access to handwashing.
Posters are displayed in all of our interchanges advising customers of the latest Government advice, floor and window vinyls have been introduced to assist with social distancing and protective screens have also been installed at our customer service desks. Notices are also visible on bus stops across South Yorkshire advising on social distancing and where to find out timetable information. Floor markers at stops on major routes also indicate safe distances.
We are encouraging customers to use contactless payments or purchase tickets in advance, where possible (some bus operators are requesting the exact fare for cash transactions and train tickets must be purchased online or via contactless methods at rail stations. Tickets cannot be purchased on the train - check the operators’ websites for details); and ensure they are following advice on social distancing whilst using public transport.
Given the extensive measures in place, and with customers following the social distancing and other guidelines onboard, at stops and in interchanges, customers that have no alternative can have confidence travelling by public transport is safe.
Detailed information about travelling and staying safe is available on the Travel South Yorkshire website at www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/coronavirus. Government guidance is also available atgov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
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