Public transport

[namechangenumber2]

Have you started using public transport for non work reasons? I know in the past the government have said to avoid it, is that still the case? I can't seem to find anything about it

[Ted27]

Yes, I don't drive so have no alternative

[happymummy2010]

I don't drive either and am luckily enough to be able to WFH, but I would like to get the bus into town now to go to the shops etc but I'm not sure if this would be frowned upon ?
I'm going stir crazy not being able to get out and about

[HandsOffMyRights]

I went to see PILS on Sat, in their late 70s early 80s. Proceeded with caution as I didnt want to put them at risk.

When we got there MIL was out shopping. Had taken buses to go to the sale as the shops had just opened, so guessing it's not just essentials!

[Beatrixpotterspencil]

I started a post about this too but it slipped didn’t gain any responses I don’t think.
Also confused about whether once hospitality opens they’ll put buses and Trains on normal capacity again.

I’m in a tourist spot, Lake District and worry there’ll be too many of us come July for the meagre bus/train services.

I can’t see how they can continue at 85% reduced capacity of lockdown is eased further. It will literally imprison those without cars.

[AnxiousAlpaca]

I’ve been using public transport for ‘none essential’ travel in the last couple of weeks. It’s been fine and I’ve been able to social distance. If it was busy I’d likely not get on. I have a bicycle but it’s not practical plus my last one got nicked when I left it in town I’m taking my CBT in 5 weeks so I can stop relying on public transport as much in the future.

[Pipandmum]

@happymummy2010 as Boris has encouraged people to start spending and the bus is your only transport then go for it.

[CeeJay81]

I'm planning on using it to go shopping in the near future. Not sure if I'll do it next week, or the week after when Wales lifts the 5 mile thing (as it's 18 miles). I don't drive, so it's the only way for me to go shopping. There's only small independent shops and my dd needs new shoes. The buses between 10 and 3 are usually full if pensioners. I'm hoping some are staying at home.

[CeeJay81]

Small independent shops where I live*

[PumpkinP]

Yes I do. My local town centre is a 3 mile walk and although it's not too bad walking there lugging the shopping back is.

[Beatrixpotterspencil]

My nearest supermarket is a 6 mile walk with a very busy road and infrequent pavements.

I would also not want to cycle on this road.

I have no idea how a massively reduced service can cope after 4th July.

Surely they’ll relax measures on transport, or many of us are fucked.

[emmathedilemma]

no, but i drive and can run/walk relatively long distances and there's not really anywhere to go on the bus at the moment.

[namechangenumber2]

Thanks everyone, DS goes to school in the next town and would usually use the train during holidays/weekends to see friends. Since he's been back allowed to meet up with them I've been taking him back and forth, which is a pain (hour round trip). He's suggested getting the train again (with a mask) and whilst I'm not hugely against it I couldn't decide if this is seen as an irresponsible thing to do ( as it's unnecessary)

I think I'll keep going with driving for the next few weeks

[Ted27]

Ive just been to the station to check a query with my tickets for tomorrow - no interrogations about the purpose of our journey, nothing said about essential/non essential travel.
Apart from the station being empty, the staff wearing visors and M&S being closed it all looked quite normal

[cologne4711]

I haven't because the trains are on a skeleton-ish service but ds used the train to meet some college friends last weekend. He, a friend and one other guy appeared to be the only passengers on a 12 carriage train when I picked him up!