South Yorkshire returns to Tier 3 restrictions from 2 December 2020 – impact on public transport

South Yorkshire returns to Tier 3 restrictions from 2 December 2020 – impact on public transport

As you will no doubt be aware from Wednesday 2 December, South Yorkshire will return to the Very High Local COVID Alert Level (Tier 3) after national restrictions end.

What does this mean for public transport services in South Yorkshire?

SYPTE are following Government advice to help control the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and ensuring South Yorkshire’s public transport network is still available for those people who need to travel to work or access education, as well as to venues and amenities that remain open across the region.

We are asking customers to aim to reduce the number of journeys they make and avoid travelling into or out of Tier 3 areas, think about how and when they travel, check for the latest travel updates and cycle or walk if they can.

The safety and wellbeing of public transport customers and staff is a priority and operators are following government guidance on social distancing on board their services. We are confident that these measures, combined with the enhanced cleaning procedures in place will continue to keep passengers and staff as safe as possible.

Currently, service levels are not expected to change, however, increases in COVID-19 cases may have an impact on operators’ resources as staff self-isolate or are absent due to illness. We will be working closely with operators to help manage and minimise any disruption this might cause.

What do we want customers to do?

Do not use public transport if you or someone in your household or support bubble is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 – a new continuous cough, loss of sense of taste or smell or a high temperature – or if they have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

Try to avoid travelling, other than for things like work, education, to access youth services, to meet caring responsibilities, for medical appointments, to buy essential goods or services, or to exercise.

It is important for everyone to play their part so those who need to can travel safely. Please think and check before you travel and only use public transport if you have no alternative. Wear a face covering, keep your distance and wash or sanitise your hands before and after using public transport.

Travel information and advice

We are following Government advice to encourage people to help control the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) when using public transport, to travel safely to minimise their journeys, stay local, and walk or cycle if they can. If they need to use public transport consider if their journey is necessary before travelling, and to think about the times, routes and ways they can travel, so that everyone has more space to stay safe.

Due to social distancing, there is reduced space on transport services and customers may have to wait. We are asking them to please be patient and flexible when they travel, avoid peak times and consider others.

A face covering must be worn when using public transport, in stations and interchanges. This applies to all passengers aged 11 and above, including on dedicated school buses, unless they are exempt. Customers are advised to keep a safe distance, wash or sanitise their hands frequently and use contactless payment or buy their ticket in advance.

Those using public transport are being advised to check the latest advice before they travel.

Up to date information about what South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Operators are doing to keep customers and staff safe can be found at https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/coronavirus/

Travel disruption information can be found at https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/disruptions

The Traveline team are also available on weekdays between 7am and 7pm and at weekends between 8am and 6pm on 01709 515151 to answer customer queries.

Details regarding how and where public transport services are operating in South Yorkshire can be found at https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/servicechanges/ via twitter at https://twitter.com/TSYalerts or by calling Traveline on 01709 515151.

Some people do not have to wear a face covering for health, age or equality reasons. Further details can be found at gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#exemptions-face-coverings. If a customer feels they are exempt they can download and print our exemption journey assistance card, available at travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-GB/LandingPage/Journey-Assistance-Cards, which they can show the driver or conductor to let them know. These will also be available on request from the customer service desks in our interchanges.

Thank you

SYPTE