Residents travelling on public transport are being thanked for following the rules and wearing face coverings on services after an action day revealed high levels of compliance.

PCSOs patrolled the city region’s bus network and reported 92% of people were adhering to the rules and wearing face coverings on Monday 9 November as part of the first in a series of action days organised by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Merseytravel, transport operators, Merseyside Police and British Transport Police as part of their Covid-19 response work through the Local Resilience Forum.

Officers spoke with hundreds of passengers on bus services across Liverpool and Wirral about the importance of wearing face coverings for the whole journey to help stop the spread of Coronavirus and explaining exemptions.

The team also made sure passengers are aware of all the advice about how to travel safely which includes planning journeys, paying by contactless or pre-paid tickets and being respectful to other passengers and transport staff.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Portfolio holder for Transport & Air Quality at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said:

“Mayor Rotheram said from the start of this pandemic that face coverings were a key part of helping stop the spread of the virus, and that if we look out for each other, wear face coverings and follow the guidance, together we could get through this really challenging time.

“So, I want to say well done to all our residents who are playing their part and acting responsibly on our transport system.

“It’s been hard for everyone, but people’s basic courtesy and shared desire to protect each other has not surprised me but nevertheless been really impressive.

“Now is the time to keep up the good work, we can’t afford to be complacent and I’d stress that we need to continue to follow the rules to help keep our families, friends and communities safe”.

The awareness day was held in response to reports of concerns that some students using public transport to get to and from school, college and university were not adhering to the rules.

Officers targeted a number of routes and have been delighted with the positive attitude and levels of compliance.

Students who will be returning home from university in a couple of weeks and are considering using public transport are urged to make sure they follow the latest advice and travel safely.

Visit the Re Think Travel campaign for more information about public transport services and key advice.

People should not use public transport if they are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus symptoms, are sharing a household or support bubble with somebody with symptoms or have been told to self-isolate after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace.