Public transport returns to full capacity today for first time in nearly 18 months

The wearing of a face-covering on public transport remains mandatory though.

Buses, trams and trains have returned to full capacity today (Wednesday, 1 September) for the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of the latest easing of pandemic restrictions, seating will no longer be blocked off onboard Irish public transport. The change comes as services are expected to become busier in the coming weeks as schools and third-level institutions return to on-site learning. In a statement, the National Transport Authority (NTA) said that though public transport will return to full capacity, the safety of customers remains a priority. As such, the following measures will continue:

• The wearing of a face-covering on public transport remains mandatory
• Transport operators will carry on with daily cleaning regimes on their fleet
• Hand sanitiser is available on board buses and at stations for passengers
• Windows should be left open onboard where available to improve ventilation
• Leap Card and other cashless payments should be used where possible.

“I welcome the decision by Cabinet that public transport can now safely return to 100% capacity," NTA Chief Executive Officer Anne Graham said. "The wearing of face coverings remains mandatory, and I would ask that passengers be patient while getting on and off services and to always treat transport staff with respect. "We look forward to passenger demand increasing as confidence in the safety of public transport grows. The NTA will continue to liaise with transport operators to monitor passenger trends and any challenges that may arise as we return to full capacity”. The NTA has also urged the public to continue to be considerate of other passengers and that if you’re on a busy service, to be mindful of more vulnerable customers whose need for a seat may be greater than yours. With demand for services set to grow in the next few weeks, the NTA has advised passengers who want to avoid busy services to plan ahead and avoid peak times if possible. Taxis and hackneys also continue to be widely available across the country. On Tuesday, the Government announced the new roadmap for easing the remaining Covid-19 restrictions in place over September and October. For the exact dates for when you can expect each of the sectors to reopen, check out JOE's handy guide here.