Do we have to wear masks on buses and trains? Face covering rules for public transport explained

Face mask rules in England have been relaxed following the end of Plan B Covid measures
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Covid restrictions are gradually being eased across the UK as infection rates have started to stabilise.

Plan B measures introduced to tackle the Omicron outbreak in England at the end of last year have now been scrapped, with the country now following Plan A which focuses on the booster and vaccine rollout as the first line of defence.

Wearing a face mask is no longer enforced by law in England (Photo: Getty Images)Wearing a face mask is no longer enforced by law in England (Photo: Getty Images)
Wearing a face mask is no longer enforced by law in England (Photo: Getty Images)
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This plan moves away from legal measures and instead asks people to follow guidance.

But what does guidance say about the wearing of face masks? Here’s what you need to know about the rules across the UK.

Do I need to wear a face mask on public transport?

England

In England, face masks are no longer a legal requirement in any setting, but government guidance does still suggest wearing coverings in enclosed and crowded spaces if coming into contact with strangers.

Boris Johnson told MPs: “In the country at large we will continue to suggest the use of face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet – but we will trust the judgment of the British people and no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one.”

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As such, face mask rules are expected to stay on public transport across England, including buses and trains, but will no longer be enforced by law. This means that commuters will not be fined if they choose not to wear one.

However, commuters in the capital must still wear coverings on all London transport as masks remain a “condition of carriage” on Transport for London (TfL) services.

Anyone who does not comply could be denied travel, but will not be fined or prosecuted by the police.

City mayor Sadiq Khan has called on people to “do the right thing”. In a statement, he said: “If we have learnt anything from this pandemic, it is that we must not get complacent and undo all our hard work and sacrifices.

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“That’s why face coverings will remain a condition of carriage on Transport for London (TfL) services. I’m asking everyone in our capital to do the right thing and continue to wear a face covering when travelling on TfL services to keep us all protected and to prevent further restrictions from being necessary later down the line.”

A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group echoed this sentiment and said train firms will ask passengers to wear masks “out of courtesy to others”.

He said: “We expect most passengers will do the right thing and follow this advice.”

Scotland

In Scotland, face masks must be worn when using public transport, unless you have an exemption.

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If you are not wearing a face covering without a reasonable excuse, you will be in breach of the law and may be liable to pay a fine.

Coverings may be removed if you need to take medication or to eat or drink where reasonably necessary.

Wales

Face masks must be worn on all public transport in Wales, including taxis.

The police can issue a fixed penalty for a breach of the rules, with a first offence being punishable by a penalty of £60.

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This doubles for each subsequent offence up to a maximum of £1,920. Repeat offenders could also be prosecuted in court where there is no limit to the fine that may be issued.

Northern Ireland

Face masks are still mandatory on public transport in Northern Ireland, unless you have an exemption.

All passengers of post-primary school age and above, as well as all staff, must wear a covering on all forms of passenger transport and in stations, including:

  • on all buses and coaches, including private hire vehicles and school services 
  • on all train services
  • in indoor areas of a ferry 
  • in taxis
  • in airports
  • in indoor areas of public transport premises

Drivers should also wear a mask, unless he or she is behind a partition or has a reasonable excuse.

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It is also mandatory for all post-primary aged pupils to wear a face mask on public transport and school transport services.

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