TFL

[PumpkinKlNG]

Sorry if this has already been done but had a quick look and couldn’t see anything, but apparently TFL have said that masks will remain compulsory with them from Monday despite what the law says and that you will have to still wear them unless exempt, what do people think? I’m exempt but avoid public transport as hate being confronted by people for not wearing one (which yes has happened!) so was looking forward to being able to use the bus again without being abused 😕

Can you get a lanyard? I know it's not an official thing but it may stop people asking

Is your question do I think that masks should still be compulsory on public transport because the answer to that is yes, absolutely.

Well, if you believe my DD who computes in and around london on trains and buses, they haven't been enforcing them for months, so not sure how they can suddenly decide to enforce them now, and how they are going to do it? Leave it to the poor bus drivers to enforce?

Other DD travelled back from Cambridge to London on Sunday with
hundreds the football supporters...... none of whom were wearing masks. The train guards did nothing.

And all this during the time masks have been legally enforceable.

It’s not the drivers it’s the other people who are abusive, I had a man sit opposite me on the bus and verbally abuse me for the whole journey so that’s when I stopped getting on them, I think the type of people to abuse people not wearing a mask wouldn’t give a crap about a lanyard, my mum got me a badge to wear but it’s knocked my confidence already as I have anxiety anyway

I'm sorry you've had a bad experience. I would think the abusive types are a tiny minority and would be abusive about something else if not masks.

Keeping masks compulsory is absolutely the right thing to do in a city with low vaccination rates during a time covid numbers are high and getting higher. A recent study showed masks reduce infections by about 25% if we all wear them.

I think masks need to stay on public transport. FWIW, plenty of non mask wearers (and non exempt) ridicule mask wearers. It's all part of the divisive community we live in now. To me, it's a tiny thing to do to help protect each other, including protecting those that can't wear them. Sorry you have suffered abuse. There are many more people that will be understanding of your situation than not though.

So you'd rather risk your life sitting on a bus surrounded by unmasked strangers when you can't wear one than run the risk that the occasional idiot might challenge your exemption?

I’ve been challenged more than once and yes it is very unpleasant, most people are vaccinated now, When you suffer from anxiety it’s not as easy as saying just ignore them

I don't really know what you are asking in this thread.

Even if TFL had said they were not going to enforce masks the government guidance is still that people should wear them on public transport. The difference is now we are meant to choose to wear them rather than being forced to.

I would've worn one regardless.

But we aren’t having a choice? It’s compulsory according to tfl

Yes it is, because TFL are allowed to set their own rules. Plenty of other places are following suit.

Again I'm not really sure what you're asking from this thread. You're exempt from wearing a mask so don't wear one. I'm sorry if you get a hard time from idiots but I don't know what solution you are looking for really.

I live in London and don't drive, so on public transport most days. Yes, the mayor has the ability to make separate provisions re masks for use on TFL. However, compliance has always been a bit hit and miss in any event (esp when it is really hot!), so not sure how much it will be enforced. I have never seen a bus driver challenge someone for not wearing a mask.

I’ve been challenged by drivers as well so must depend where you live in London, I was told by one that I don’t look exempt, I’m just asking what people think of it? If you have no thoughts on it then you don’t need to comment

It's a crappy situation for exempt people, we've had abuse all the way through, now the government's ignorant and divisive policy is going to make things worse.

I'm pretending nothing is changing on Monday, still wearing the lanyard, still sitting near the driver in case of any problems. If you do have a problem, move to the driver and tell them you're being harassed. They can call for assistance.

No one should be put in your position because the government should have introduced an official exemption scheme.

DH travels into central London daily and has noted that many people do not wear masks, nor is it enforced. I fully support people choosing not to wear masks on the underground in the summer masks when it is so hot and compact down there, particularly in rush hour.

@Chanel05

DH travels into central London daily and has noted that many people do not wear masks, nor is it enforced. I fully support people choosing not to wear masks on the underground in the summer masks when it is so hot and compact down there, particularly in rush hour.

Summer masks, summer months 🤦‍♀️.

I’m just asking what people think of it? If you have no thoughts on it then you don’t need to comment

I think it's necessary and I'm glad they've done it.

In terms of what I think of it... I feel bad for people who are exempt. I bloody hate it when it's hot like today. If the bus is quiet and there is no one near me then I take the damn thing off to avoid puking.

I think masks have become a really divisive issue to be honest.