Transport for Wales staff have refused travel to over 10,000 unmasked individuals but many continue to flout the rules
TRAIN travellers have been reminded to wear face coverings on public transport after numerous reports of individuals flouting the rules on services into Cardiff.
Colin Lea, Planning and Performance director at TfW, told BBC Radio Wales today that fines from transport police or a strengthening of the law may be required after complaints from passengers that mask wearing wasn’t being enforced around the recent Autumn rugby internationals.
Mr Lea said most passengers followed the rules and staff were doing their best to enforce them but tougher measures may be necessary to deal with individuals and groups who still don’t wear face coverings.
The enforcement of mask wearing divided opinion among travellers at Cardiff Central Station today.
One passenger, who asked to remain anonymous, questioned why masks were important on trains and said that Welsh Government rules are too confusing.
“I have already had Covid when I was pregnant in lockdown. It was mild and asymptomatic so it has put me off wearing a mask on the train. And a lot of people don’t wear them. It’s also confusing crossing the border between Bristol and Cardiff with different mask rules,” she said.
Mike Elworthy from Llanrumney, said that mask-wearing should be taken more seriously on public transport and backed authorities issuing more fines to rule-breakers.
“I think it’s dreadful, I think they should have more consideration for others. I think that Transport for Wales should enforce it more and show the public that people are being fined,” Mr Elworthy said.
A spokesperson for Transport for Wales said: “Passengers must wear a face covering on public transport unless exempt. It’s the law in Wales and we work closely with the British Transport Police who are responsible for enforcing Covid regulations.
“Passengers are reminded of the regulations when booking tickets via the TfW website or app and throughout their journey with announcements at stations and on board our trains.”
Additional reporting by Ellie Crabbe.
