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Face Maskson trains and buses
Since June 15th 2020, you need to wear a face covering on buses and trains in England and Scotland. And from 27th July a three layer mask is mandatory in Wales on buses, trains, and taxis. This is to help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. Research suggests wearing some cloth over your mouth and nose helps protect other people you come into contact with if you happen to be infectious. It doesn't need to be complicated. You can easily buy or make your own non-surgical face masks. We've put together a few tips and ideas about travelling safely and comfortably by public transport. Network Rail have summarised the advice: "Travel at quieter times. Wash your hands. Wear a face covering." And thanks to LNER for the pictures of their new face masks featuring regional images (see 3 below).
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1. What are the rules about face masks on public transport?
Face coverings are now compulsory on buses, trains and ferries in England and Scotland (and also in Wales, where they need to have three layers). You now need to wear them inside stations too. It’s particularly important when a carriage or platform is crowded. If you don’t follow the rules, you might not be allowed to travel.
- Does everyone have to wear them? Some people are exempt, including children under 11 (under 5 in Scotland), people with disabilities or breathing difficulties.
- How can I prove I don’t need to wear one? Legally, you just need to tell whoever is enforcing the rules that you are exempt. But you might feel more comfortable with a printed card or badge.
- What about if I need a drink? No problem. The law says: “if you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering”.
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2. Where can I get a face covering?
The new law talks about face coverings rather than face masks. You don’t need some kind of medical device. Any piece of cloth that covers your nose and mouth will do (except in Wales). Here are some ideas:
- Make your own. The BBC has suggested various ways, with or without sewing, to create your own face masks.
- Order them online. Several companies are now making bespoke and designer face masks (who knew they would be this summer’s must-have accessory?)
- Our current favourites are the non-profit family packs of ten for £25 from Baukjen. They are made from leftover bits of cotton in simple patterns and colours. They are soft, washable and have a wire you can bend round your nose to help them fit better.
- London-based Maskey are also a popular choice and are busy supplying vending machines that sell masks in stations and shopping centres. See 3 below for more ideas.
- Some train companies are still giving out disposable masks for free.
- The scarf or bandanna option. The most basic option is to wrap or tie a scarf or bandanna round your face. This sounds easy, but our experience suggests it can be tricky to keep it firmly and comfortably in place.
3. More masks for sale
Here are some more things you might want to think about when buying or making masks. The rubbish from disposable masks is just one unfortunate side effect of the Coronavirus pandemic. But it’s a problem that’s easier to solve than some.
- Can I avoid disposable masks? Washable fabric masks are much better for the planet. It’s handy to have at least one spare one so you can wear it while the other one is in the wash. Just bung them in with an ordinary load of laundry each time you use them – like you would socks or underwear!
- Which are the most sustainable masks? Where does it come from? is a UK-based company selling organic cotton masks from ethically sourced cotton. They cost £42 for a pack of four, but each pack sold also means a donation to the Trussell Trust and to the social enterprise in India, where the cotton is grown and processed.
- How have bus and train companies responded to the new law? LNER have just unveiled a stylish series of face coverings that celebrate regional landmarks along their route. The new masks feature the London Eye, the Tyne bridge and Scottish thistles. You can order them online and proceeds go to LNER’s charity partner, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). Transdev bus company have produced a face mask in the company colours, which you can buy for £4.50 with proceeds going to NHS Charities Together.
4. How can I stay safe and comfortable on public transport?
Here are some more tips to help get you back on the train or bus as safely as possible.
- Is there any way to find out how busy the train or bus will be? Some companies supply helpful info about avoiding busy trains and buses, like this from Greater Anglia or the new busy bus feature on the Stagecoach app.
- Are the loos open? Generally, yes. Very helpful for hand-washing!
- How can I stop my glasses fogging up? This Guardian article suggests putting your glasses in soapy water and then letting them dry to prevent them steaming up.
- Can I stop my mask feeling hot? If you’re going to be wearing face coverings quite a bit, it’s worth doing a bit of research to find the most comfortable fit for the summer. A mask takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s easier if you distract yourself with the view outside the window, a book, phone or other entertainment. You’ll find you soon forget about the mask and enjoy the journey more.
