widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

Transport / Keep your distance on public transport

The Viking bus station. Photo: Shetland News/Hans J Marter

PASSENGERS on public transport in Shetland are being reminded to keep their distance from each other while travelling during the coronavirus outbreak.

Shetland Islands Council and transport partnership ZetTrans have issued reminders and guidelines for people in a bid to protect staff and passengers.

Buses and ferries will continue to running to their normal timetable, but obviously people who have coronavirus symptoms like a new continuous cough and/or a fever should not travel.

Anyone using public transport is asked to observe good hand hygiene, to use tissues to catch any coughs or sneezes and to avoiding touching their face.

On buses and the passenger areas on the ferries, people are reminded to sit with as much distance between them.

Drivers on the inter-island ferries are asked to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the journey.

In terms of payment, passengers are asked to have the exact fare ready, where possible.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

Multi-journey tickets on ferries are available, while the council may be able to offer account cards on ferries.

On buses people can use a Shetland Travelcard (available to buy on buses) and contactless payments.

It comes after Lerwick councillor Stephen Leask suggested that fares on ferries and buses should be waived in order to protect staff from handling cash.

While public transport is still running as scheduled, the council said the “situation is continuously under review and may be altered to support UK and Scottish Government direction and measures, and/or staff availability”.

It is anticipated with more people working from home or in self-isolation, usage of buses and ferries will be lower than normal.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.