Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of what constitutes a safe number of people travelling (a) on a bus and (b) in a train carriage during the covid-19 outbreak.

We have been working closely with operators to understand the limitations on passenger numbers. Capacity in a vehicle or carriage will vary depending on the specific type of bus or rail rolling stock. The 2 metre social distancing rule will leave effective capacity on public transport for 1 in 10 passengers on average compared to levels before the Coronavirus pandemic. Where it is not possible to maintain the recommended social distance, passengers are being advised to avoid physical contact, wear face coverings and wash or sanitise their hands as frequently as they can.