Buses, trains and trams can only be half full

Only half of the passenger capacity on public transport can be used in the days and weeks ahead.

This is stated in the government’s corona guide for public transport, which was published on Tuesday afternoon.

All transport companies must prepare routes to prevent congestion. To ensure sufficient distance between travelers, a maximum of 50 per cent of the passenger capacity of the means of transport should be used.

It is further recommended that the passengers be seated apart, for example at every other seat, except for household members.

Normal life resuming
“Everyday life is on its way back, with kindergartens and schools open to many. As more people travel, good and practical solutions for infection control on public transport are needed,” says Transport Minister Knut Arild Hareide (Kristelig Folkeparti).

In the guide, prepared by the Directorate of Health and the Public Health Institute, it is emphasized that all travelers should be informed that they should not use public transport if they have respiratory symptoms or if they are in home quarantine or home isolation.

The guide applies to buses, trains, trams, boats, ferries and other public transport.

Rush hour traffic
At Tuesday’s press conference, the Minister of Transport was asked questions about how this will be in practice during rush hour in the big cities.

“We give a clear signal that the transport industry must increase capacity. This applies in the morning traffic and in the afternoon traffic. There will be good opportunities for that. The transport industry has provided input to this guide,” says Hareide.

“I think it is important to say that it is safe to travel, even during rush hour, because we are increasing capacity,” he emphasizes.

There were also questions about who should pay for increased capacity for buses and trams to run half full. Hareide then pointed out that the counties have received a billion kroner in support.

“But this is naturally a problem the government is looking at in dialogue with the counties,” he says.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today