York train, bus and taxi companies ask passengers to continue to wear face masks

Lots of changes come in today (Monday, 19 July), as Covid restrictions are officially lifted.

Here’s a summary of what’s different.

Social distancing

• No limits on how many people can meet
• 1m-plus guidance removed (except in some places like hospitals and passport control when entering)
• Face coverings no longer required by law, although the government still “expects and recommends” them in crowded and enclosed spaces

Events and gatherings

• Nightclubs can reopen
• Pubs and restaurants no longer table-service only
• No limits on guests at weddings and funerals
• No limits on people attending concerts, theatres or sports events
• No restrictions on communal worship

However, people out and about are being urged to wear masks.

Here’s a summary:

LNER: Please continue to wear a face covering on our trains and in our stations, unless exempt. Thank you for being considerate of other customers and our colleagues.

TransPennine Express: Our advice is wear a face covering In crowded spaces on our trains and in our stations out of respect to others (unless exempt).

First York: Following changes to government guidance, there are no restrictions to bus capacity from Monday but we are recommending passengers wear a face covering (if they can) especially when services are busy.

York Pullman: City of York Council have requested that all children who travel on our home to school transport services continue to wear a face mask/covering until the end of term, York Pullman fully support this decision. We are recommending that all passengers who travel on our service buses continue to wear a face mask/covering.

Wendy Loveday, chair of the York Private Hire Association, said most taxi drivers look set to keep wearing face masks.

She can’t insist passengers wear a mask, but “I can refuse to take a customer that might be displaying symptoms”.