Monday 9th of August 2021 saw the end of the one metre policy with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirming that the change also applied to public transport.

Face coverings will remain to be required in some circumstances by the Scottish Government, unlike other parts of the UK where the compulsory wearing of face coverings ended during July 2021. 

The new guidelines issued from the Scottish Government guidance and safety measures will be observed by ScotRail, including the wearing of face coverings, which is expected to give passengers and staff confidence in keeping as safe as possible whilst travelling on the railway.

A ‘wear one protect everyone’ message has been announced by ScotRail in a bid to remind customers to stick to the Scottish Governments guidance.

ScotRail has also released updated messages which will replace the Five Rules for Safer Travel sign and poster campaign and will explain how travelling by train is safe, reliable and clean.

ScotRail will maintain its enhanced cleaning routines on trains and in stations which have been extremely effective at protecting the travelling public and staff members during the pandemic.

Passengers are recommended to buy tickets via the ScotRail app as part of the mTickets system, this approach means that customers can purchase their tickets at home or on the way to the station and will show up instantly on their mobile device. Using this method to buy tickets will reduce queues and also the touch points within the station.

During the pandemic, passenger numbers plunged by more than 90% but with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, ScotRail is currently operating at approximately half of its pre-pandemic passenger numbers. 

Throughout Scotland, roughly 2,000 trains are running to keep people on the move, with research showing passengers are going to return to rail but with different usage patterns.

Over the next few months, ScotRail will be implementing a timetable that will work with future passenger needs, rather than returning to a pre-pandemic schedule which does not represent the changes that have taken place.

David Simpson, ScotRail Operations Director, said: “The removal of the legal requirement for physical distancing is good news for Scotland’s Railway and a significant step towards recovery.

“While there will no longer be a need to physically distance on trains, customers will still need to wear a face covering in stations and on trains and be respectful of their fellow passengers. We’re asking customers to do the right thing and wear one, to protect everyone.

“We’re continuing to provide a safe and reliable service. Customers should continue to take personal responsibility for how they travel with us and if they think a train is too busy then they should wait for the next service.

“Scotland’s Railway is getting ready to welcome passengers back to a railway that is modernising for a safe, more reliable and greener future for everyone who uses it and works in it.”

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