Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the level of covid-19 transmission on public transport; and if he will make a statement.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) advice has provided evidence of an enhanced risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 for both transport workers and passengers. This advice has been published on the government website and is titled ‘Transmission and Control of SARS-CoV-2 on Public Transport’.

To further advance our understanding of the transmission risk, the Department has worked with SAGE to develop the Transport Risk Assessment for COVID Knowledge (TRACK) research project. The Department has also commissioned other research projects, including working with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory on transmission risk in aviation.

As part of our Safer Transport Guidance we recommend that passengers reduce the risk of transmission by washing or sanitising their hands before and after using public transport, keeping 2m apart where possible and 1m if not, and wearing face coverings when travelling unless they are exempt. Transport operators also enforce this messaging with signs at transport hubs, and regular announcements at platforms and on public transport.