Wearing face coverings on public transport

In line with guidance from the government, if you can you must wear a face covering when travelling on public transport in England. This can be a mask, scarf, bandana or even something you can make out of an old t-shirt. 

If everyone who can wears a face covering on their journey it will help protect against transmission when physical distancing is not possible. 

Remember, not everyone can wear a face covering

Some people don’t have to wear a face covering for health, age or equality reasons. It is not always obvious why people can’t or don’t wear one so please be understanding and support your fellow passengers by wearing a face covering if you can.

Passengers who are exempt from wearing a face covering include:

• children under 11-years-old
• 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 or take medication, but only if you need to
• if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

Look at the government rules around wearing face masks on public transport, who is exempt, and how to make an easy face covering. 

Brighton & Hove Speak Out have produced Easy Read guidance on wearing face coverings on public transport, as well as information on coronavirus, government advice, and staying safe during the pandemic.

Brighton & Hove Buses Helping Hand card

People using the buses in Brighton & Hove may choose to carry or show a Helping Hand card but this is not a requirement. Brighton & Hove Buses have created a downloadable Helping Hand card which you can print, save to your phone or screenshot and show to the driver. 

Read more about wearing face coverings when travelling on Brighton & Hove Buses.

Give space, keep safe

Although the government is gradually easing lockdown restrictions, we should all continue to stay two metres apart when we’re outside our homes to reduce the spread.

And please be mindful of people with mobility issues, learning disabilities or visual or hearing impairments. Some people will find it harder to manage physical distancing and many disabilities are hidden. 

Please keep your distance to make it easier for everyone to get out and about.