Face masks now compulsory as further service increase is planned

WEARING face coverings became a mandatory requirement for passengers from June 15.

The move was implemented following an increase in train service levelswith , some stations offering free masks for a limited period.

While train services are still not at full timetable levels - which has had a positive effect on punctuality- the message is still that train use should be for essential travel only as passenger capacity is around 20% of normal.

The impact on the industry has been monumentalThere . have been more than 51 million fewer journeys compared to the same period for 2018/9; the largest passenger decline since 1994/95.

The biggest decline has, not