Mind The Gap

..and if you can’t distance, look the other way, says Gov’t advice. Unions say rushed return to work ‘ridiculous and dangerous’

- Ben Glaze

Commuters in England return to work today despite warnings of “potentially lethal consequences” of using packed buses and trains.

Even yesterday, people were struggling to stay two metres apart on public transport.

It will be even busier today, from when the Government says people who cannot do their jobs from home should consider going back to work, even though public transport is running at just 10% of its normal capacity in some areas.

Union boss Mick Cash said the “return to work policy risks unleashing total chaos”. Mr Cash, the RMT general secretary, said: “This is a ridiculous and dangerous way to treat both staff and passengers alike and will have potentially lethal consequences.

“Maintaining social-distancing on trains and Tubes is a massive logistical exercise that requires planning, resources and the protection of staff managing the flows of passengers. To rush that exercise is a disgrace.” TSSA boss Manuel Cortes said: “The need for physical distancing of at least two metres means that only around 10% of those who used to use public transport can do so safely now – that’s why we believe that all services should continue to be reserved for key workers.”

Department for Transport advice issued yesterday said people should “avoid using public transport where possible” and urged commuters to “walk, cycle, or drive”.

It said: “If you do travel, thinking carefully about the times, routes and ways you travel will mean we will all have more space to stay safe.