Frequently Asked Questions  - Travel and COVID-19

What is the current status of public transport in West Yorkshire? 

The government has published its plan for living with COVID-19.

This means with effect from 24 February 2022:

• You will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. New guidance will advise people who test positive to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
• You will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if you are an unvaccinated close contact, and will no longer be advised to test for 7 days if you are a fully vaccinated close contact. New guidance will set out precautions for reducing risk to yourself and others.
• There is no mandatory requirement to wear a face covering on buses, trains and in stations, however, we recommend passengers still wear one (unless exempt) as a precaution for themselves and other people.

Bus and train services remain affected by staff shortages arising from the pandemic with revised timetables and short notice cancellations. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.

You should also continue to:

• Plan ahead and check your journey before you travel.
• Pay contactless or via mobile apps.
• Open a window on buses and trains where possible.
• Regularly wash or sanitise your hands.
• Consider cycling and walking for shorter journeys.

Further details can be found on the Government's COVID-19 Response page 

When is the best time for me to travel? 

The transport network is ready for you but COVID-19 has not gone away. It is still important to keep yourself and others safe.  Electronic displays at stops and shelters across West Yorkshire will display how busy the bus is.  You can also download the First or Transdev App to see how many empty seats are available on their services. 

For shorter journeys you could consider walking or cycling. 

First App

Transdev App

Is travel information up to date? 

We are keeping our digital and real time information services up to date, please check www.wymetro.com and @MetroTravelNews on Twitter for the most accurate information. 

Electronic signs at bus stops will display how busy the service is. Bus companies First and Transdev provide live information on how busy their buses are on their mobile apps which are available to download.   

First App

Transdev App

I am experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. Can I travel? 

New government guidance will advise people who test positive to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. You will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. For the latest guidelines visit gov.uk/coronavirus

I live with someone who has symptom of Covid-19. Can I travel? 

You will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if you are an unvaccinated close contact, and will no longer be advised to test for 7 days if you are a fully vaccinated close contact. You are advised to reduce the risk to other people. If travelling, we recommend you wear a face covering, unless exempt, as a precaution for yourself and others.  New guidance will set out precautions for reducing risk to yourself and others. For more information visit gov.uk/coronavirus

What assistance is provided for disabled passengers?

Support for disabled passengers remains the same as before coronavirus. More information is available on individual bus and rail operator’s websites. A full rundown of all operators can be found by clicking on this link.

You can also read more about accessible travel on our accessibility page.

What assistance is there for people who are blind or visually impaired?

Ask for assistance if you need help to find a suitable seat. You can use our Travel Assistance Card to let the driver know that you may need assistance. 

We recognise that some people who are blind or visually impaired can find it hard to scan their travel pass on the ticket machine on the bus. If you find this difficult then you can pass your travel pass to the driver to scan it for you.    

Do I need to wear a face covering? 

We recommend you wear a face covering on all public transport, at bus stations and interchanges, and Park and Ride customer waiting areas unless you’re exempt.

Those exempt from wearing a face covering can download an assistance card to help communicate this to staff on bus and rail services in West Yorkshire. Print them off or take a picture on your phone to show the driver, conductor or station staff know what help you need.

A face covering is something that covers your mouth and nose. A guide to making your own can be found here. 

Children under 11 do not have to wear a face covering. A full list of exemptions from wearing a face covering can be found here.

You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a reasonable excuse not to. Reasonable excuses include:
• not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability.
• if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.
• to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others.
• to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you.
• to eat or drink, but only if you need to.
• to take medication.
• if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering.

Those exempt from wearing a face covering can download an assistance card here to help communicate this to staff on bus and rail services in West Yorkshire. You can print them off or take a picture on your phone to show staff. 

Are you supplying face coverings?  

No, it is up to people using public transport to provide their own face covering. The rules do not require the use of a mask. A scarf or a face covering made from materials found at home will be acceptable. 

What additional cleaning is being carried out?

Extra cleaning is being carried out across all Bus Stations, Interchanges and shelters in West Yorkshire. This includes extra attention to ensure touch points are regularly cleaned and remain disinfected. Bus and rail operators are also carrying out additional cleaning to ensure vehicles are as safe as possible for customers. Measures include increased cleaning frequency of grab rails and poles, entrance door handles and all touch points. Operators are also encouraging staff to increase hand washing frequency and are providing additional cleaning facilities to enable them to do so.

Are you providing hand sanitiser?

We are not providing hand sanitiser for passengers. We advise passengers to wash their hands before and after travelling or carry hand sanitiser. 

How safe are buses? 

Transport operators have adopted cleaning regimes to make the transport network as safe as possible.  

How safe are Bus Stations/shelters?   

We are carrying out additional cleaning at our bus stations and interchanges.  Additional face covering signage is being provided across the bus network to advise customers of the precautions to take.  

How are you safeguarding transport staff?  

The safety of our staff is paramount and we are closely following the advice from Public Health England. We have increased the cleaning of contact surfaces in line with guidelines and our staff are following social-distancing guidelines. Face coverings are available for staff who would like to use them, but this is voluntary. 

Can I use my Concessionary Travel Pass?  

Public transport is available for those who need it. Senior, Blind or Disabled pass holders who do need to travel may use concessionary passes after 0930 Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and public holidays. Senior, Blind or Disabled Travel Passes along with young people’s Under 16 or 16-18 MCards can be ordered online. Read more about concessionary travel passes. 

What about school buses?   

For timetable information and how to get to school safely visit wymetro.com/schools. We are urging all passengers 11+ years old to wear a face covering (unless exempt) on public transport including dedicated school buses. 

Are AccessBus services running?   

AccessBus is operating for existing customers who need to travel for essential shopping and is being limited to 11 passengers per vehicle. The service is currently operating across all districts and we urge passengers to wear face coverings on the bus to protect vulnerable passengers. 

Are Temple Green, Stourton and Elland Road Park and Rides open?   

All Park and Ride sites are open and we ask that customers adhere to safety guidance on site and when travelling.  We recommend you wear a face covering (unless exempt) as a precaution to yourself and others within customer buildings and on Park and Ride buses.

Will cash still be accepted on buses? 

Operators will accept cash on buses; however, they are advising customers to buy tickets in advance via mobile apps or pay contactless.  Daily, weekly or monthly MCard tickets can be purchased and stored on mobile devices via the MCard mobile app.