The message is ‘plan ahead to stay safe’ as Scotrail announces the lifting of travel restrictions from this weekend onwards. Travel on trains will no longer be restricted to essential journeys only.
People will be permitted to travel across Scotland to meet in groups of up to six adults from six households in outdoor settings.
David Simpson, ScotRail operations director, said: “Those travelling from this Friday will experience a very different railway compared to the one they left more than a year ago. Timetables have changed because of the pandemic so we’re encouraging customers to check their journey well in advance”
ScotRail said the measures introduced across the network – including enhanced cleaning of trains and stations, one metre physical distancing rules, and a legal requirement to wear face masks - should allow customers to travel with confidence if they do decide to take the train.
Passengers are being asked to play their part by continuing to heed ScotRail’s five rules for safer travel that are still required on trains and in stations:
1 Do not travel if you feel unwell or have a temperature.
2 Travel away from the main commuting times (0700-0900 and 1600-1830) wherever possible, as trains will be busiest around then. The earliest and latest trains serve key workers, like NHS and care home staff.
3. If you think it’s not safe to board a train, don’t do it and wait for another service.
4. Wear a face mask or covering and maintain one-metre physical distancing.
5. Be patient. You might not be able to board your first choice of train, as physical distancing means some seats need to be left empty.
