Does the ban on face coverings apply on public transport?
The ban on face coverings applies on metros, trains, trams and buses run by public transport companies. The ban does not apply in taxis or on boats, ferries and on-demand buses.
Under section 1 of the Passenger Transport Act, taxis, boats, ferries and on-demand buses are not regarded as forms of public transport. Section 1 of the Act defines public transport as follows: ‘timetabled, open-to-all passenger transport by car, bus, train, metro, tram or fixed-guideway vehicle’.
We all travel on the train, metro, tram and bus. So it’s important we can see each other’s faces and recognise each other. Face coverings are therefore not permitted on board these modes of transport.
Face coverings are items of clothing that completely cover your face or only show your eyes.
The ban on face coverings applies only on trains, metros, trams and buses. It does not apply at stations, on platforms, on ferries, on planes or in taxis.
You are breaking the law if you wear a face covering on public transport. A member of the transport company’s staff may point this out to you. You can either remove your face covering or leave the vehicle. If you do not, the police can be called and you may be fined.
