Most people WON'T feel safe using public transport even after lockdown

Most people say they won't feel safe using public transport even after lockdown restrictions are lifted.

According to an ITV News Central online poll, almost 80% said they wouldn't feel comfortable using buses, trains etc... if the government announces an easing of restrictions.

The results come as more people prepare to return to work and plans are being drawn up by rail operators to determine how passenger numbers can be managed.

RMT's Assistant General Secretary Mick Lynch has said that ministers want to be running around 85% of train and Tube services within a fortnight.

However, the UK's three biggest rail unions have written to Boris Johnson warning that increasing train services to normal levels from May 18 will be 'dangerous and lead to the public flouting the rules'.

Most operators are already asking passengers to socially distance themselves on the trains and this is likely to continue. In fact, West Midlands railway has created a video to show how it can be achieved, sitting a row apart and on opposite sides of the carriage.

However, socially distancing will be more challenging with more passengers. West Midlands railway believes that 15 passengers could travel in one carriage whilst maintaining the 2m distance. However, Avanti West coast says it could be as few as 8 per carriage.

Although limiting the number of passengers on each train is a real possibility, it will be tough on busy commuter lines. In Spain and Italy, only people working in specific sectors of the economy were initially allowed to return to work and this could be the case in the UK. Staggering workers' hours to reduce the pressure at peak times may also help.