Scots' confidence in returning to buses and trains slumps to 17 per cent

Confidence among Scots in returning to public transport when lockdown restrictions are eased has nearly halved to just 17 per cent in a poll published today.

Scots are increasingly apprehensive about using buses and trains again. Picture: Lisa Ferguson.

The dramatic reduction in the proportion happy with using buses and trains from 30 cent last week comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to set out the next steps towards more travel.

A transport transition plan with further details is due to be published shortly.

The latest results of the weekly survey by official passenger watchdog Transport Focus also show nervousness in Scotland about public transport has grown for a second week.

The proportion who are happy has fallen from 32 per cent two weeks ago.

The figures also revealed Scots are becoming increasingly concerned that there is physical distancing on public transport and passengers wear face coverings.

More also plan to wears coverings in public.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “As the Scottish Government considers its transport transition plan, our tracking survey indicates increased caution about using public transport and a growing number of people saying they will wear a face covering.

“The Government and transport operators must work together to ensure people receive clear and consistent advice about travel.

“They need to know who can travel, what rules exist, what they have to do, and where to find information.”

A total of 69 per cent of Scots said they would not use public transport unless distancing was in place, which has risen from 68 per cent last week and 53 per cent the week before.

Those backing compulsory face coverings were up 1 percentage point to 60 per cent, and up 7 points on a fortnight ago.

The proportion saying they would now wear coverings in public has risen up from 37 per cent two weeks ago to 43 per cent last week and 46 per cent this week.

A total of 173 people were questioned in Scotland among 2,013 across Britain.

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