Great Western Railway reveals train usage is up by 50% and reminds passengers to wear masks

Wearing face masks on public transport has been mandatory since 14 June. Credit: PA images

People in the West Country are being reminded to wear masks on trains as passenger numbers have gone up by more than 50% in two weeks.

Great Western Railway has published some of the region's busiest routes as a reminder to those who need to use trains that wearing a mask is essential.

Suburban lines are the most in demand, according to the operator, with numbers up by more than half compared to the beginning of June.

The reminder comes as GWR is predicting another increase in numbers as a result of the good weather.

The top five routes in the West Country:

  • Paignton to Exmouth

  • Cornish mainline, Plymouth to Penzance

  • Bristol to Taunton

  • Falmouth branch line, Falmouth Docks to Truro

  • North Downs Line

The operator is urging people to remember the social distancing guidelines despite announcements of the further easing of lockdown.

It is also asking people to plan their journeys ahead and avoid peak times, buy tickets online and wash their hands before travelling.

The company has warned that while it is doing everything it can to make sure people can maintain the current two metre rule, it "will not be possible" at all points of a customer's journey.

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