Have you experienced transport staff policing physical distancing on bus or train services?

Matt Tso Reporter from Community News

A commuter has reported standing passengers were asked to disembark the 4.17pm train from Wellington to Upper Hutt on Tuesday.

On Monday Metlink confirmed staff were not responsible for enforcing physical distancing on buses - saying this would be left to passengers.

Response from Metlink general manager Scott Gallacher:

“Passengers are responsible for their own physical distancing measures. The Government have made it clear that public transport frontline workers are not expected to risk their own health and safety by enforcing physical distancing.

That said, where our frontline staff see safe and low risk opportunities for action they will use their own discretion to do so, as seen in these instances. We support our frontline staff when they make these calls. This is all about everyone looking out for each other and taking personal responsibility.

Our conditions of carriage across rail, bus and ferry state that passengers must comply with our team’s instructions at all times.”

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