U.K. Commuters Brace for Blocked Off Seats, Queues in Rain

(Bloomberg) -- U.K. commuters can expect seats to be blocked off on trains and may be kept in lines outside stations under government guidance for keeping public transportation safe during the coronavirus crisis.

The Department for Transport said on Tuesday operators should stop stations from becoming too crowded and train and bus companies were told to boost the number of services to create more space.

Boris Johnson’s government is trying to get the U.K. economy to return to work even as the coronavirus death toll continues to climb. But with services greatly reduced and TV pictures showing busy rail platforms, services packed with commuters could help spread the disease.

“The scenes we saw on public transport services yesterday were unsurprising when you order a return to work with 12 hours’ notice,” said Jim McMahon, transport spokesman for the opposition Labour Party. “That was irresponsible and wrong.”

The problem is that the businesses model for public transportation is dependent on packing people in, not keeping them two meters apart -- the distance required for social distancing.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said even if Transport for London operated its services at pre-virus levels while following social distancing rules, it would only be able to take about 15% of usual commuter numbers. The government is encouraging people to use other modes for getting to work, including walking and cycling.

Cooperation Needed

“We require the cooperation of Londoners and commuters across the country not to overload the system at this time,” Shapps said in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The government’s latest advice also tells passengers to:

• Keep 2 meters apart wherever possible
• Wear a face covering
• Use contactless payments
• Avoid rush hour travel
• Wash hands before traveling

Ministers recommended travelers in taxis should sit in the rear left seat of the vehicle to maintain social distancing.

TfL said it faces a 4 billion-pound loss ($4.9 billion) this year after passengers stayed at home because of the virus.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.