Coronavirus Transport Update

Roadmap out of lockdown – travelling safely

I hope that you’re well and have had the chance to enjoy the recent sunshine and early signs of spring.

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced the government’s four-step ‘roadmap’ for cautiously easing England's coronavirus restrictions.

Each step will be assessed by the government against four tests before restrictions ease, starting with the return of schools and colleges on Monday 8 March.

Please remember that England remains under National Lockdown restrictions, with the ‘Stay at Home’ order in place until at least Monday 29 March.

This means that you must continue to stay at home and only leave the house for essential purposes, such as work, medical appointments, caring responsibilities, visiting people in your support bubble, attending a place of worship, shopping for essential items, or exercise.

If you do need to travel, please stay local, reduce the number of journeys you make, and walk or cycle if you can.

If you need to use public transport, you can use the TfGM website to help plan your journey. Please try to avoid busier times like the morning and afternoon peaks, which should be kept free for students where possible. Allow extra time for your journey and try to take quieter routes.

From Monday 8 March, ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions will be amended slightly, meaning people can leave home for recreation as well as exercise outdoors. This can be done with your own household, support or childcare bubble, or with one person from another household. The safe travel advice above will still apply.

Travel guidance for students returning to school and college

When students return to schools and colleges on 8 March, they should cycle or walk to school if they can. However, if they need to use public transport, they should remember to:

• Wear a face covering on-board and in stations and interchanges, unless they are under 11 or exempt for another reason.
• Keep their distance where they can on platforms, stops, stations and on-board.
• Follow their school’s or college’s guidance and sit with other members of their own school/college bubble where possible.
• Clean their hands frequently and carry hand sanitiser.
• Use contactless payment, buying tickets online for smart cards or using mobile apps where possible or use exact change only if needing to pay with cash.

TfGM school bus services and duplicate commercial bus services dedicated for school and college students will also resume from Monday 8 March.

Students should avoid sharing a car with anyone outside their household or support bubble if they can. If this isn’t possible, they should open the windows, wear a face covering unless exempt and sit as far away from the driver and other passengers as they can.

For more back to school travel information and advice, visit the TfGM schools pages.

Go North West industrial action

Due to industrial action, some Go North West bus service timetables have been changed. All services will still operate, but some may not be as frequent. If you have to travel, please visit our Go North West service changes page for timetables and alternative travel options.

There will be more travel updates as restrictions are eased, so please keep checking the TfGM coronavirus travel page for the latest advice.

Please remember that the further easing of restrictions is dependent on controlling the virus and stopping the spread of infection, which means you should continue to follow government guidance and encourage your family and friends to travel safely when necessary.

Kind regards,

Stephen Rhodes

Customer Director

Transport for Greater Manchester