Train travel

[Mischance]

Have not been on a train for a couple of years and am wondering if trains are now more crowded, what covid precautions are taken, and how safe people feel on trains at the moment.

The last train I went in a few weeks ago was pretty much back to pre-pandemic levels.

Just as crowded and despite announcements reminding everyone to wear a mask, very few did.

I travel by train daily and have taken longer train trips too. Commuter trains are definitely quieter. Longer train trips too - the ones I took had social distancing measures in place. You would not have been seated next to a stranger. But prices seem to have risen.

My longer train trips were taken in the summer.

I've taken 2 train journeys in the last two months:
The first was two hours in standard class. The carriage was packed out - people were standing/sitting in the doorways.
The second was 5 hours in first class. The carriage was full but obviously, no standing.
On both journeys all seats were available - no social distancing. There were signs up advising people to wear masks - some did, some didn't.

Have been up to London twice recently from Kent. Journey up very quiet (off peak though) journey back really crowded. Most people ( notably
younger ones) n ot wearing masks. I am CV so bit careful,. touch wood been Ok so far !

Commuter train not back to pre Covid levels of crowding but people are standing. You do sit next to strangers.

Long distance are very empty.

And about 80% wearing masks on commuter train. Less than 10% on long distance but there are big spaces between passengers.

I got a train recently from the North to London. It wasn't busy.