Transport for NSW is welcoming back more customers to the public transport network this week (14 December) with an increase in the number of people allowed on trains, buses, ferries, and light rail.
Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance said that with community transmission remaining low, NSW Health recognised that transport usage would increase across the network.
“We know more people are moving around this summer and we are at a stage where we can safely let more people onto the public transport network to help people get back to jobs, recreational activities and public spaces in a COVID safe way,” Mr Constance said.
“A Waratah train will now be able to carry 86 customers per carriage, up from 68, and a typical two-door bus will be able to carry 27 customers, up from 23,” he said.
Mr Constance said NSW TrainLink services were being booked to 50 per cent capacity, with additional demand to be met by supplementary coach services, to maintain physical distancing when travelling long distances.
Chief Operations Officer at Transport for NSW, Howard Collins said green physical distancing dots would continue to guide customers on the best places to sit and stand on public transport.
“We have added 1,200 extra services to the 3,300 extra services rolled out in June giving customers plenty of options when planning their travel,” Mr Collins said.
“There are three simple steps for a COVID safe public transport trip – plan ahead and check physical distancing capacity, wear a mask and find a green dot,” he said.
Mr Collins said enhanced cleaning would also continue with 1,600 extra cleaners employed and 1.5 million extra cleaning hours carried out since March.
