Only 30% of Scots happy to use buses and trains again

Scots are becoming more nervous about using public transport but remain happier about it than the rest of Britain.
Most Scots are still reluctant to return to public transport. Picture: John Devlin.Most Scots are still reluctant to return to public transport. Picture: John Devlin.
Most Scots are still reluctant to return to public transport. Picture: John Devlin.

They have also become more concerned about social distancing, wearing masks and hand sanitiser being made available.

The proportion of Scots comfortable with returning to buses and trains has dipped from 32 per cent to 30 per cent in the latest weekly poll by official passenger watchdog Transport Focus.

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That compares to an average of just 20 per cent across Britain – down from 24 per cent last week.

Distancing will be required on buses and trains.Distancing will be required on buses and trains.
Distancing will be required on buses and trains.

Across Britain, young adults are the most ready to use public transport when restrictions are eased, but only 25 per cent of them feel that way.

By contrast, just 14 per cent of people aged 65 or over would be happy.

The survey also found 68 per cent of Scots would only use public transport if social distancing was in place – up from 53 per cent last week.

This is being planned by bus and rail operators in Scotland, although the Scottish Government said only key workers should travel for the moment.

A total of 59 per cent of those questioned in Scotland said they would not be happy travelling unless passengers were required to wear masks.

That has increased from 53 per cent last week.

This measure is currently only advisory in Scotland.

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Inside Transport - How do you feel about returning to public transport?

A total of 43 per cent said they would be wearing masks in public compared to 37 per cent last week.

In addition, a total of 86 per cent of Scots said hand sanitiser should be available on trains and buses, and at stations and stops – up from 79 per cent last week.

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On travel intentions, nearly two thirds of Scots said they would drive more rather than take public transport, and 54 per cent would cycle or walk more instead.

A total of 43 per cent said they expected to work from home more often in the future.

Some train operators south of the Border are due to increase services from Monday.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “Passengers that have no alternative but to travel by train need to know what to expect from their operator in terms of social distancing – and what’s expected of them.

“In the coming weeks, Transport Focus will monitor how well operators are communicating this information to their passengers.”

A total of 165 people were questioned for the poll in Scotland among a total of 2,026.

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