To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the steps that are being taken to ensure social distancing can be maintained on public transport as traveller and commuter numbers continue to rise; and (ii) on what Translink services, and at what times, are more than three train carriages used.

On 3 July 2020, my Department issued ‘Safer Transport Guidance for Public Transport Operators During Coronavirus’, aimed at helping public transport operators assess and address the risks of COVID-19 in the public transport sector and provide safer workplaces and services for themselves, their staff and passengers. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/safer-transport-guidance-public-transport-operators-during-coronavirus.

In addition to this, Translink is taking all reasonable steps to help people make informed choices and facilitate compliance with social distancing where possible. These include:

Managing customer flows, providing clear signage, driving up compliance with face covering wearing, whilst ensuring all staff comply with enhanced PPE requirements;

Running more and longer trains, where possible, to maximise capacity;

Making better, more timely and accurate, information available about the quieter times to travel, with new smartphone-based channels that let people know about busier services;

Continuing with visible enhanced cleaning regimes on-trains and in stations with fogging technology, wiping down touch points, and weekly sample testing, along with hand sanitisation stations at all main locations;

No change policy and encouraging more card payments;

Increased ventilation on all services; and

Monitoring services and, where issues are identified regarding social distancing, additional relief buses or trains where possible.

Six car trains currently operate on the following services:

0712 Newry to Great Victoria Street - Monday to Friday.

0725 Larne to Great Victoria Street - Monday to Friday.

1710 Great Victoria Street to Derry -Monday to Friday.

All weekend services on the Derry line.