Which is more dangerous; taxi or train?

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Relative (reasonably fit early 60s) needs to make a short journey. (Lift not possible so don't suggest it.) Can avoid busiest times of day.

Which would be worse - 25 minutes in a local cab (not black cab) or approx an hour on trains plus attendant hanging about at stations. Will obviously be wearing a mask, and BJ has just indicated masks now compulsory for cab drivers, iirc.

Science please!

Ah, no - listening again it seems only the users of taxis must wear a mask. Really not drivers?

I would say a train, much better ventilation and likely not to be near anyone else.

No science but my brain says that sitting in the back of the cab with a mask and the window open will be much safer.

I’ve had to do both recently - train is best - it’s so quiet - social distancing no issue . The young remove their masks - but there is no need to sit anywhere near them

Train is less predictable. The few times I've been on one it has been really quiet but DSis took one on Saturday and said there was standing room only. Also it can be fine when you get on but then fill up.

I've taken a couple of minicabs with DM who has been shielding. There was a plastic barrier between the front and back seats and contactless payment through the window when we got out. With the windows open it felt relatively safe.

So on balance I'd opt for a cab.

First four replies evenly split!

Which at least tells me I'm not wrong to be cogitating over this ...

My experience with trains is that they are very empty still. I think its very much 6 and 2 3s

Trains will depend upon the route and time as to how busy they are and how well ventilated. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do if you get on and find it doesn't feel safe.

I would call a couple of local taxi companies and ask what their covid measures are and book one that sounds on the ball. Get your relative to wear a mask (ask that the driver does too), sanitise their hands when they get out, not touch their face without sanitising their hands first.

Suggest that they check the ventilation is set to draw in air from outside not recirculate and ask the driver to change it if it is on recirculate. Opening the windows would be a good idea and sitting in the rear seats.

Not sure on the science. But common sense would say train as you can control your social distancing assuming it’s not a packed train ...

I agree it's not an easy decision! I would go for train, as with a car you have the additional risk of a car accident.

I would say taxi because you're only going to be with one other person vs potentially lots of other people on a train so the probability of coming in contact with someone who has covid and is infectious is much lower.

I had to use a taxi a few weeks ago and actually felt really secure. I'm in London and used Addison Lee - they had a screen between the front and back so the driver was on the other side of a screen from me, the driver wore a mask and had a window open as well.

Train saferdue to space and ventilation.

Cars are really bad I feel.

I would definitely go for the train option. If not a busy time of day they will be able to sit away from others.

I don't really like taxis at the best of times unless one knows a sedate driver as so many seem to go quite fast.

Train as you've said they can avoid busy times. I am swayed by knowing someone who tested positive and track and trace linked it back to a taxi they'd taken.

Taxis have installed screens but it's a much closer contact environment even with that. Trains are pretty empty at the moment. I would say it is likely to be easier to keep away from others via train.

I wouldn't feel comfortable in a taxi at all train/ mask/ handgel/ sitting away ?gives me more reassure than sitting in the back of a taxi.

What about getting a seven seater taxi? Obviously a bit more expensive but more space and could sit at the very back?

8/4 to the train ...

raviolidreaming - that sounds hair raising.

Oh, 2 more for train and one for taxi.

Good points on both sides ...

Chester to Wales standing room only, non mask wearers breathing all over people sitting down, so I wish I had been in a taxi instead of retreating to corridor where doors are to sit on suitcase.

My local train station is always heaving with no cleaners disinfecting seats in between. All our local taxis have Perspex or toughened glass screens and the majority of drivers that I see wear masks. A couple of local firms also advertise sanitation of seats in between customers. Taxi all the way IMO. In a black cab the distance would two metres between driver and backseat.

I went through this dilemma a while back and decided neither! Safest option (for me) was to hire a car, disinfect it and leave it to air for 24 hours. In fact hire cars are all disinfected with 24 hours allowed between hire periods. But I assume the relative can't drive. And it's an expensive option.

There are pros and cons. I think I would feel nervous with the train option, about the things you can't control - ie other people - how many people get on the train - whether some idiot pushes up against you or is antisocial etc. And how to get to and from the train station.

I think the solution would be to find the right taxi company - ring around. Some people will be taking much more precautions than others. Wear a very good mask, keep the window open, take hand gel and I would even take a plastic bag to sit on in the car! So you don't have to worry about your clothes picking anything up.

That sounds dreadful, justasking111. Presumably they've reduced the number of trains? I have very fond memories of the journey along the North Wales coast (pre-pandemic).

My friend is a taxi driver. He's had a full screen out in the car, disinfects thst & the door handles etc between customers. Wears a mask & has soared if people don't have one (but he only 'offers' he's fine if they choose not to wear one).

I'd take that over a train

However, not all/many are taking those precautions, but if you ring around you should find someone.