Life after lockdown: Six precautions you can take while using public transport to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19

While travelling through pubic transport, knowing bus timings and routes, location of containment zones, and using online payment and passes rather than cash can reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19 After more than two months of lockdown, most Indian states have chosen to restart local public transport amenities like buses and taxis, making it possible for a lot of people to resume travelling to work and even to stranded relatives or loved ones within and outside of their own states. The Indian government released the action plan for all modes of transportation, based on the recommendations made by the Centre for Road Research Institute, and this plan discussed two approaches: Redesign existing facilities to enable social distancing, like reducing the number of commuters on every bus or metro coach and maintaining separate gates for boarding and alighting. You also need to stay abreast of information regarding which public transport modes are available to you, and which — if any — containment zones it crosses or connects with partially. Social distance is a lifesaver Whether you’re boarding public transport, are in it or getting off of it, make sure that you maintain at least one-metre distance from your fellow passengers.