From maximum capacity to face masks, new rules arrive for local public transport ahead of the reopening of offices and schools.
With the reopening of schools just around the corner and the end of remote working in many offices, millions of Italians are preparing to crowd onto public transport once again. To limit the risk of coronavirus infections, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has drawn up new guidelines – approved in recent days at the unified conference with the Ministry of Regional Affairs – that will change the way we use the metro, buses and trams; in addition to the specific measures to be adopted, the text recommends encouraging sustainable mobility, as well as staggering and extending the opening hours of offices, shops and schools, to avert the risk of crowding during peak hours.
On board local public transport vehicles, regional rail transport vehicles and school buses for dedicated school transport – the document states – "in view of the scientific evidence on the assumption of average passenger dwell times indicated by available data, a fill rate of no more than 80 per cent is permitted, with a greater reduction in standing places compared to seated ones." In the case of short routes, lasting a maximum of 15 minutes, the fill capacity may be raised above the prescribed limit; and the same exemption will apply where vehicles are guaranteed air renewal and filtration through suitable ventilation systems that have been previously authorised by the Scientific Technical Committee.
Two rules we have learned to live with over the past few months will remain in force: the obligation to wear a face mask and one-metre social distancing. The latter, it is specified, does not apply "where the persons concerned live in the same household, or between family members and people who maintain stable interpersonal relationships."
With regard to school buses, the guidelines stipulate that parents must take pupils' temperature at home, given that there is an absolute ban on "allowing pupils to board the dedicated vehicle if they have a fever or if they have been in direct contact with persons infected with Covid-19 in the previous fourteen days."
To increase the fill rate of transport vehicles beyond 80 per cent, removable partitions may be installed between seats: the Ministry of Transport, Inail and the Italian Institute of Technology are working to identify suitable materials to allow separation between one seat and the next, which would make it possible to reach a percentage close to 100 per cent; transport companies will also be able to identify materials which, before being used, will need to be vetted by the Scientific Technical Committee. On school buses, "pupils will board ensuring a distancing of at least one metre, taking care that pupils board the vehicle in an orderly fashion, with the second passenger boarding only after the first has taken a seat. For alighting, passengers will proceed one at a time, avoiding close contact."
On metro lines, buses and all local public transport vehicles, dedicated dispensers for hand sanitisation must be installed; this may be done gradually, starting with the busiest vehicles. Service management companies will be required to provide communications, on every vehicle, on the correct use of personal protective equipment. For the additional transport services deemed essential for the start of the school year, the government has also provided in the budget law for an allocation of 200 million for the regions and 150 million for municipalities and provinces.
The Ministry also highlights the need to stagger and extend the opening hours of offices, commercial establishments, public services and schools of all levels: this will be important "to manage the mobility of workers and consequently prevent the risks of crowding associated with citizens' movement." Where possible, encouraging sustainable mobility is also recommended, from bicycles to small electric vehicles.