Masks on and off the train, says Department of Transport

Commuters warned mandatory mask rules apply not only on public transport. Find out where else you might get fined for not wearing face covering.

People wearing masks are seen walking past Flinders Street Station on February 04, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia.

Commuters will need to wear their masks on the station platform as well as on the train and bus as the State Government pushes for greater COVID protection.

The Department of Transport sent out a late-night email reminding Victorians to wear a mask on and off public transport.

The warning has urged train, bus and tram travellers to wear a fitted face mask — over the nose — on public transport and at busy stations and stops.

This comes as complacent maskless commuters were caught flouting COVID rules on trains, with police warning it won’t be tolerated.

In the email distributed on Thursday night, a Department of Transport spokesperson said masks worn below the nose was not acceptable.

“As more and more passengers return to the public transport network, it’s important to remember that you must continue to wear a fitted face mask while travelling on our services,” the spokesperson said.

“Your face mask must cover your nose and mouth and you must wear it for your entire journey.”

But it seems that message is falling on a lot of deaf ears with a Herald Sun investigation last month revealing fed-up commuters were blatantly ignoring the rule during the morning and afternoon peak.

On nine of 27 passenger aboard a Sandringham train during the morning rush was wearing a mask.

In one full train carriage leaving Richmond station before 8.30am, 23 of 60 passengers did not wear masks, including three people who placed them below their chins.

Frontline worker and nurse Bec Broadhurst previously said it was a lack of respect.

“Yeah, it (people not wearing masks) has been happening more frequently — it’s disheartening when we’ve worked so hard to get to this point,” she said.

“I think it shows a lack of respect for the people you’re travelling with, when they won’t wear one for an hour or less, especially as a nurse.”

Wearing masks is mandatory while travelling on public transport anyone above the age of 12 or adults who have an exemption.

Although wearing a face mask before boarding is not enforced, it is highly recommended if 1.5m social distancing cannot be maintained.

For more information about the importance of face masks and COVID-19 updates, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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