THE Scottish Government is predicting that Phase 3 of the government’s ‘route map’ for easing lockdown restrictions, which comes into force today, is likely to lead to more people using public transport north of the border once again. Tourist attractions in Scotland are also set to start reopening on Wednesday.

Transport, infrastructure and connectivity secretary Michael Matheson said: ‘Phase 3 sees more parts of our society and economy reopening and will be one of the most challenging for the public, operators and employers. A combination of life slowly returning to some form of normality, the lifting of the five mile [8km] travel rule, the retail sector fully reopening, more people returning to work and the tourism sector restart means demand on public transport will be significant.

‘However we know that even with public transport service levels increasing and physical distancing being relaxed to one metre for some services, capacity is still significantly restricted compared to pre-covid levels. This means people are being asked to continue to work from home if they can, and walk, wheel and cycle where possible.

‘Our transport operators are continuing to take steps to improve confidence in public transport – this includes measures such as enhanced cleaning measures, more sanitisers, mandatory face coverings and screens and we hope confidence will begin to return.’