Transport / Keep your distance on public transport
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.
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.
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