What effect has Covid19 had on transport such as trains and cars? My family went to central London last week, midweek, on a Wednesday, in September 2020, to Trafalgar Square.
The trains were quiet. Just a few people. I put my umbrella across the seat beside m to prevent anybody sitting there.
Baker Street station was quiet. it is a point where lines cross so usually there are many people changing trains.
Charing Cross station was quiet. The exit for Trafalgar Square.
On our return journey we walked downhill towards Embankment station. Embankment station was quiet.
The train was empty.
If you have the photo up on a large screen and look carefully, or if you expand it on your mobile phone by pushing your fingertips apart on the screen, you can spot two signs about social distancing.
The good news - it was easy to find a seat.
It was easy to park the car near a station.
On a later journey to a lunch, before and after lunch time on a Friday, trains were busier. My husband reported that people were sitting in every other seat, with bags and briefcases on the seat beside them to prevent others from sitting down too near. Most people were wearing masks.
No Smoking
You will notice the no smoking sign. Funny how, after a few years, no smoking is the norm and it seems strange to have to tell people not to smoke. that gets rid of smoke and cigarette ends.
No Sign For N Spitting
Unlike buses in other coutnries, there's no sign saying no spitting. An advantage of wearing masks is that it cuts down on spitting.
Streeful or Stress Free?
First , there's thre stress of carrying and wearing a mask. Before you leave home, have you got your mask. Wear it in the car. "Don't be absurd. We are not seeing strangers. You don't need it."
But you can infect your own family, if you catch it whilst you are out.
What if there's a rule we have forgotten? better get in the habit, ready for the time it becomes mandatory to wear masks in cars. What if we infect the surfaces and offer a lift to somebody else?
After Thursday Sept 24 new rules came in about wearing masks in taxis. Supposing an automatic system thinks our car is a taxi? We will be in for correspondence protesting that we are not a taxi.
The laws are there, not to make life difficult, but to protect us. Feel good that somebody is protecting you.
Useful Websites
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/passengers/staying-safe-and-secure/
About the Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer. Author and speaker.
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