THE Scottish government has been urged to ensure that transport staff and those travelling across the country are fully protected as plans for easing restrictions on networks are due to be announced tomorrow. 

Scottish Labour and trade union representatives are seeking assurances from the government that a detailed plan for how Scotland’s transport system will move out of lockdown will cover the safety of individuals. 

Some elements of lockdown are expected to be lifted from this Thursday, with Nicola Sturgeon expected to detail her “Transport Transition” plan on Tuesday. 

Over the weekend RMT sent a number of concerns, including the need for PPE for staff, to the government. 

The letter, seen by the Morning Star, insists that face masks be made compulsory for all people travelling on public transport, beyond the recommendation currently in place. 

RMT said that it was also worried that transport staff will be left to police social-distancing behaviours themselves, potentially putting them at risk. 

Scottish Labour has now said that they expect extensive and thorough guidance on how passengers and transport staff will be protected from Covid-19 to be included in today’s announcement. 

MSP Colin Smyth added: “The safety of passengers and workers has to be guaranteed if public transport services are to be increased.

“The government also needs a more definitive position on face coverings. If passengers are being told they must wear them to travel, then they should be available free at stations and stops.

“There are serious questions about how the government is going to keep passengers and staff safe.”

Transport Scotland told the Morning Star that continual and close engagement with representatives of the transport unions had taken place throughout preparations, with measures expected to be shared tomorrow.