Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support he is providing to (a) train operators, (b) British Transport Police and (c) other officials to ensure that covid-19 safety measures are being adhered to by passengers.

During the course of the pandemic, the Department has worked closely with train operating companies and Network Rail to ensure that staff and passengers are kept safe when travelling on the railway. Government has published safer transport guidance for operators which sets out measures to assess and address the risks of coronavirus for passengers and staff. This includes guidance on steps operators can take to encourage high rates of compliance with safety measures.

The Department has provided additional funding to support the costs of enhanced levels of policing by the British Transport Police required in response to changes in COVID-19 travel restrictions as well as other additional Covid-related costs (including PPE).