‘Mandatory masks in train, bus and tram, one and a half meters is unworkable’

Dutch public transport is in trouble with the relaxation of the corona measures. If more people are allowed on the road again, it will be “unworkable” to transport the travelers at a distance of one and a half meters. The financial shortages among transporters will also increase even more, the National Public Transport Council (NOVB) writes in a fire letter to State Secretary Van Veldhoven of Infrastructure and Water Management. This consultation includes Dutch Railways, regional rail operators and city and regional operators.

They want protective equipment for staff and travelers, but besides mandatory masks, much more measures need to be taken. The carriers also refer to the practice abroad.

Enforcers

However, the deliberation cannot decide this itself and therefore urges Van Veldhoven to take measures quickly. For example, the cabinet must decide which groups will and will not be allowed on the train, bus, tram or metro if the measures are expanded. There must also be sufficient enforcers for this. There are already regular conflicts in public transport, because many travelers do not know what the rules actually are.

The cabinet must ensure that the travelers are spread over the day, the letter states. With employers and the universities, colleges and secondary education, it should be examined how this can be organized.

Since this week, NS is testing the ‘one and a half meter train’, with many taped seats and plexiglass. This is what it looks like:

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