HAND sanitiser on trains, 2m markers on platforms and and one-way systems are all on the cards to help Brits start to use public transport again after lifting the lockdown.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today outlined more ideas that ministers are considering to get the country moving once again.
He said that more trains would be put on gradually as more people return to work.
But he refused to say whether their plans would involve Brits having to take a temperature check before they leave their house.
Mr Shapps told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday that if anyone felt unwell, they shouldn’t be leaving their home at all.
He said: “I am very concerned about people being able to wash their hands, that’s still by far the most important advice, above anything else, even above face masks and the rest of it.
“The basic hygiene, the hand washing.
“We can help with that by trying to have hand sanitiser, one way systems, spacing on platforms and bus stops and that sort of thing, clearly marked out.”
And he again repeated calls for companies to have staggered work start times to reduce the rush hour crush of people on tubes and trains.
Two metre distances could be taped out on platforms to encourage people to stay apart.
And ministers are still mulling whether to ask people to use masks or face coverings when they can’t stay far enough away from others.
A decision is due on this later this week, but Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeon has already encouraged the move north of the border.
Boris Johnson last week said they will be useful in getting people back to work.
However, any moves to get people back onto public transport are likely to cause huge delays and long queues, as journeys will need to be more spread out.
Transport bosses think that just 15 – 20 per cent of a train’s capacity will be available if passengers are kept two metres apart, which could be done by taping off every other seat, the Sunday Times reported.
“There’s no way of managing it,” said one.
“The practicalities are impossible. We could end up with public disorder in queues and the pressure on staff will be enormous.
“The government is going to have to control this at source and tell people they can or cannot return to work.”
Discounted tickets could encourage people to travel at different times if they can.
Another suggestion being considered, the paper reports, is banning older people from being able to commute for free during busy times.
Ministers have said that some who can may be asked to continue to work from home for months to come.
Around 45 per cent of the workforce are now working from home, compared to around 12 per cent normally.
Anyone who can’t work at home is allowed to go in, but must stay 2m apart on the way and while they are there.
Meanwhile, three British airports will require all passengers to cover their faces from this week.
Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports have decided to impose the conditions even though the Government has yet to issue their official advice.
