Bus Éireann passengers 'increasingly complying' with mandatory face coverings

Bus Éireann is reporting a 'substantial increase' in the number of passengers using face coverings, ranging from 50% to 90% on most routes on the first day they became mandatory.

Phase three of the roadmap to re-opening Ireland enables increased capacity on public transport to 50% plus the mandatory wearing of face coverings, and Bus Éireann has updated its terms and conditions of carriage accordingly.

Commented Brian Connolly, regional operations manager for the west: “We are delighted to see that Bus Éireann passengers are taking personal responsibility in this matter, protecting their fellow passengers and driver.

“It has been shown that wearing face coverings will help to protect each other and will also help protect our dedicated employees who continue to deliver essential public transport services throughout this crisis.

“We have been urging people to use face coverings for many weeks and the mandatory message has already been clearly received and welcomed by the majority of passengers. We look forward to seeing everyone cooperating with this new requirement, apart from those who may be exempted for medical reasons.”

Bus Éireann drivers are also required to use a face covering during customer interactions, for example when customers are boarding or alighting from the bus.

Drivers will be strongly encouraging and educating people that they now must wear a face covering, while maintaining distancing where possible.

“We look forward to the continued support of our customers to help protect both themselves and our employees,” Mr. Connolly concluded.