Paul Kehoe
Question:95. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if guidance will be provided on regulations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13934/20]
View answerTuesday, 7 July 2020
Questions (95)
Written answers
Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue and to plan for the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. In this context, the NTA is engaging directly with both PSO and commercial transport operators.
With the commencement of Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 29 June 2020, changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions were agreed, allowing a move from 2 metres social distancing to utilising 50% of the passenger-carrying capacity of fleet. I understand that moving to 50% capacity utilisation means that 52/53 seater coaches can now carry approximately 24 passengers, up from 12 passengers which could be carried with 2 metre social distancing. This will help to underpin public transport services during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business . Alongside this change, the wearing of a face covering when using public transport is now being made mandatory, with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to young age. The legal framework to back up the mandatory use of face coverings on public transport is currently being prepared and we expect to have new Health Regulations in the coming days.