One in five currently wearing face masks on public transport in West Midlands
Just one in five people are currently wearing face masks on West Midlands bus, trains and trams, it has been revealed
A new law is coming into effect next week requiring passengers on public transport to wear a face cover.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps insisted that people would be refused travel or would have pay a fine, thought to be £80, if they disobey the rules.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) hinted that face coverings could be provided at stops and stations for a short period, as passengers got to grips with the new requirement.
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Anne Shaw, director of TfWM, said that only around 20 per cent of those making journeys were currently covering their faces, and travellers needed to adapt quickly to the new rules.
"Our staff who, from our Regional Transport Coordination Centre, are monitoring our railway and bus stations and tram stops around the clock, are reporting that about one in five people on trains, buses and trams are currently wearing a face covering," she said.
"We need to change that. Those who are continuing to use public transport will be required from Monday to wear a face covering, so it is important you are prepared – otherwise you could be refused entry.
"It is also important people continue to follow the advice such as washing their hands or using hand sanitiser before and after travelling, observing social distancing throughout the journey, paying in advance online or by contactless card wherever possible, and only use public transport if there is no alternative.
"There is full guidance and advice available on our WMNetwork website, as well as from transport operators. Please follow it and keep safe."
