Covid Update: Transport capacity to increase to 75% from 1 November

From Monday 1 November, capacity on public transport network will increase from 50% to 75% in line with NSW Health advice as Covid restrictions are wound back.

This means:

• A Waratah train will now be able to carry 122 customers per carriage, up from 82;
• A typical two-door bus will be able to carry 48 customers, up from 27;
• An L1 light rail will now be able to carry 156 customers per carriage, up from 71; and
• A Freshwater ferry will be able to carry 800 customers, up from 543.

More green dots will be placed on transport services to indicate more places where communters can safely sit and stand. Masks will remain mandatory and both transport workers and commuters are urged to stay at home and get tested if they are feeling unwell. 

NSW Health has also updated its advice on self-isolation. The new rules are as follows:

• If you have COVID-19, you must self-isolate for at least 14 days – even if you’re vaccinated.
• Close contacts who are vaccinated must self-isolate for 7 days (and limit their movements for the next 7 days). Close contacts who are not vaccinated must isolate for 14 days.
• Casual contacts need to get tested and self-isolate until you get a negative test result – even if you are vaccinated.
• If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, get tested immediately and self-isolate until you get a negative result – even if you‘re vaccinated.

All members must understand their responsibilities under the public health order if you get COVID or if you are a close or a casual contact. Please note you are not allowed to enter a Transport workplace when you are supposed to be self-isolating.

The union will continue posting Covid updates to the RTBU Express website and send out member communications via email with any urgent information.