The UK government have been warned that rail services may be stopped in order to protect employees and passengers.
This follows after the easing of lockdown guidelines today resulted in overcrowding on some public transport services this morning (May 13).
Many services remain quiet, with more space available for those to follow social distancing measures, although from today with certain industries heading back to work, we have witnessed scenes of mass overcrowding. This has raised questions in regards to the safety of those working and travelling.
The general secretary of the RMT transport union, Mick Cash, told Sky News that workers are worried about their safety and that services may be stopped in order to keep people safe. Cash has advised rail workers to “refuse to work” if they do not feel safe.
Mick Cash said: “Our members have been very worried about how passengers are congregating on the trains and the buses and the impact that this is going to have.”
He added: “If that’s what needs to be to keep people safe, then we will stop trains.”
Overcrowding on some trains this and buses this morning follows Boris Johnson’s address on Sunday evening where he announced people who can’t work from home – in industries such as construction and manufacturing – are to head back to work this week. This message was also accompanied by advice to avoid public transport where possible.
Many people have found that keeping to social distancing measures on public transport has been very difficult and not possible in many cases.
Although some areas experienced overcrowding, many main stations remained quiet following the slight change in lockdown rules including Liverpool Street and Waterloo.