Passengers using the Tube in London are being warned they may be asked to wait to enter a station to enable social distancing of 2 metres where possible.
Commuters are also being asked to wear a face covering, not to travel if they have any symptoms of the virus and that some stations will have one-way systems in place.
Emailing passengers, Vernon Everitt, Managing Director, Customers, Communication and Technology, said that by next week over 70 per cent of Tube services will be running.
However, given the national requirement to maintain 2 metres distance between passengers wherever possible, the capacity will be reduced to around 13-15 per cent, even once services are back to full strength.
He said: “Transport must operate very differently. In line with new Government advice, everyone who can work from home should continue to do so. Public transport should be avoided wherever possible to free up the limited space available to those who have no alternative way to travel.
“If you must travel, please plan ahead and travel outside of the busiest times, particularly first thing in the morning. Please try to take the most direct route and avoid busy interchanges. To help plan your journey we will be publishing details of the busiest stations and lines in the next few days and will write to you again with that information.
“If you can, please walk or cycle for all or part of your journey, including to complete your journey if travelling into central London. We have been introducing local improvements in partnership with boroughs to widen footpaths and provide more cycle lanes.
“We are taking measures across our network to enable social distancing of 2 metres where possible. Please wear a face covering. Do not travel if you have any symptoms of the virus.
“You may be asked to wait to enter a station. Some stations will have one-way systems, or you may be asked to walk on the left. We are also asking people to maintain social distancing throughout stations, for example on stairs, escalators and in lifts.
“We are doing everything we can to maintain the cleanliness of our network with regular cleaning using hospital grade antiviral disinfectant.
“It is also important that you continue to follow the Government advice on hygiene. Please wash your hands before and after travel and carry hand sanitiser with you. We are also putting hand sanitiser dispensers in our stations in the coming weeks.
“Please be considerate to our staff and follow their instructions. Everyone is doing their best in these difficult times.”
Photo credit: Transport for London
