Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) does not have the power to make face coverings mandatory across all modes of public transport. Any change in the law around the wearing of face coverings must come from Government.

“We do however have a clear expectation of all passengers to continue to wear their face coverings across all modes of public transport. We will have staff out and about at stations and on services relaying this message and handing out masks where needed.

“Myself and TfWM believe that wearing face coverings on public transport – particularly busy services – has an important role to play in protecting staff and vulnerable passengers. We would ask all passengers to join in this collective effort.”

Transport for West Midlands is offering the following advice for passengers using public transport from July 19th:

Whilst guidance from central Government recommends wearing of face coverings when indoors and in close proximity to lots of people, including on public transport, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and transport operators in the West Midlands will expect you to continue to act responsibly and continue to wear a face covering unless exempt.  

TfWM will work with transport operators across the region to implement this new guidance and these expectations.  

Key advice:  

• Plan ahead and travel safely and avoid peak travel times if you have a choice.  
• We expect you to continue to wear a face covering across all modes of public transport.  
• You should continue to use public transport respectfully – wear a face covering, wash hands and give people space.  
• As restrictions ease, guidance remains in place from the Government. Many customers will still want to wear a face covering to feel more comfortable around others. There are still vulnerable people within our communities, on and off public transport, so please respect others and let’s travel together safely.  
• Staff have worked hard throughout the pandemic to keep customers safe and will continue to do so. Continuing to wear a face covering will help you keep them safe too. 

• As restrictions ease, transport services and roads are likely to be busier so please plan ahead.   
• Thank you to the millions of passengers who have followed guidance over the past 18 months to protect others. 
• The West Midlands is Open for Business, and the network is ready to take you where you’re going. #ReadyWhenYouAre  
• We will continue to review this position. 

What we are doing:  

• We have stepped up cleaning on our buses, trains and trams, as well as at our stations and facilities across the network to help keep you and our staff safe. 

Health Advice:  

• If you have Covid-19 symptoms, please do not travel and follow the latest government guidance on testing and self-isolation. 
• If you sneeze or cough please use a tissue and bin this as soon as you can. 
• Travel with hand sanitiser where possible in order to protect yourself and others whilst you are travelling 

Further travel advice and updates are available at www.tfwm.org.uk and via twitter, facebook and instagram.