How to Stay Safe on Public Transport Right Now
For those fortunate enough to live somewhere with decent public transportation and rely on it to get around, the past six months have likely been a challenge. Despite the fact that many people in our life have moved to our homes and stayed to live, not everyone has the opportunity to work or study remotely. Of course, this has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic for thousands of key workers who continued to provide us with the goods and services we need. (Thanks, handymen!)
Either way, as schools and offices start to reopen, this means more people will be using public transport again. With the pandemic definitely still ongoing, it’s time to take a look at how we can be safer when traveling on subways, buses and trains. Here are some tips from a recent New York Times article on how to get back to public transportation as safely as possible.
Think first
Before getting on a bus or subway station, consider which mode of transportation poses the least risk to you and others. This means factors such as waiting indoors or outdoors and travel time (that is, the amount of time you have to spend in an enclosed space with other passengers) need to be considered.
“The more you can be outdoors and the further you can be from other people, and the less likely other people will be left without a mask – this is the safest way to get away,” says Robin Gershon, professor of epidemiology at New York university. told the New York Times .
And ideally, avoid rush hour travel if possible. The more empty it is, the better.
Find the (freshest) air
This is actually not possible on the subway, but if you are traveling by bus, try to get a window seat and if you can, open the window. Apply the same strategy to navigating metro and bus stations. If it is possible to climb stairs or an escalator instead of an elevator (which is something you can do physically), then always choose the path with the best ventilation.
Stay away from surfaces causing strong touch
By this point, we should already be in the habit of trying to minimize any contact we have with touch surfaces, and this definitely applies to public transport. For example, use contactless payment methods whenever possible. And of course, wash your hands before and after traveling on public transport and use plenty of hand sanitizer along the way.
Additionally, the New York Times article recommends staying away from poles and rails on subways, trains, buses, and ferries, as well as any touch screens, keyboards, and elevator buttons. Also, just walk through the turnstile – no need to touch it.
Pay attention and follow the rules
It goes without saying that all normal COVID-related public health policies and measures continue to apply on public transport. But also, look around the station, bus stop, or the car itself for new signs or announcements regarding current safety best practices. And don’t forget to look down: there may be social distancing stickers or information on how to best leave the station.
Skip the snacks (and chats)
If you fall into the category of “eating on public transport all the time is disgusting, pandemic or not,” then that shouldn’t be a problem. But if you’re used to eating breakfast on the train, you might want to consider changing your morning schedule so that you can do it in the safety and comfort of your own home.
There are several reasons for this. First, any touch / food / mouth on the bus and subway should be avoided right now. Also, to eat, it means you have to take off your mask (even if it won’t be for long), and that is also not a good idea at the moment.
If you are a person with a face that, for whatever reason, encourages strangers to chat or tell you their life story, now you have a great excuse to back down slowly: As the Times article points out , the conversation “sprays aerosolized droplets that can carry viral particles “. Welcome introverts (and anyone who would rather be left alone on public transport).