A RAIL operator is urging people to follow travel safety guidance as lockdown measures are eased.

Transport for Wales, which operates some services through Herefordshire, is running a reduced service, with limited capacity due to social distancing measures, and are urging people to only use public transport for essential travel and where there are no other travel alternatives.

With non-essential businesses opening next week, they are appealing to the public to think about their method of transport and understand that public transport space is limited.

Transport for Wales has introduced additional safety measures in their stations and on trains including social distancing, one-way systems, additional cleaning and following government advice regarding face coverings.

The launch of their Travel Safer campaign a couple of weeks ago promoted five key principles for public transport users; to stay local, avoid busy periods, follow their latest advice, exercise while you travel and respect staff and other passengers at all times.

The rail operator said it has already seen examples of people disregarding and defacing current signage, sitting in seats clearly marked for social distancing and not following one-way guidance at stations.

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO said: “The safety of customers and colleagues is our top priority and we’re asking everyone to only use public transport for essential travel and where there are no other travel alternatives.

“Our capacity has been massively reduced due to social distancing measures and we must maintain safe space for those key workers using our services.  If people have to travel, we are asking customers to please keep in mind those five Travel Safer principles – they are in place for everybody’s well-being.”