Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that covid-19 social distancing measures are being adhered to on the rail network; and what steps he is taking to improve adherence to those measures for (a) rail workers, (b) key workers and (c) other passengers.

From 12 April, operators have increased service levels to around 75% of pre-pandemic levels to reflect the expected increase in demand. There will be a further increase on 17 May, when operators will start to run as close to a full service as possible, recognising that some essential COVID protocols, such as extra cleaning, places constraints on the levels of service that can be run reliably.

In stations across the country, the industry has taken active steps to encourage passengers to practice social distancing, such as train and station announcements, and floor stickers. We have been working closely with operators to ensure that there are appropriate procedures in place, which are communicated clearly to passengers. For instance, passengers are urged to use the whole length of the train to board to avoid overcrowding in one carriage. Operators are continuing to explore ways to promote social distancing further through other methods, such as Advance ticket purchases and ‘reservation only’ seats.