Could this ‘forgotten’ NSW Public transport Covid rule soon end?
Commuters in one Aussie state have reportedly given up on one major Covid rule – but there’s still monster penalties in play.
There are calls to “bin” a major Covid-19 rule which many claim is being widely ignored in New South Wales anyway.
Masks are still mandatory on trains, trams, buses, ferries and even taxis and rideshare services in New South Wales.
That might come as a surprise to anyone who has caught public transport services in recent weeks as compliance visibly dwindles.
According to the NSW government: “All people in NSW over the age of 12 are required to wear a face mask ... on public transport and public transport waiting areas (including in taxis and rideshare services)”.
However some online have questioned how seriously the public transport mask mandates are being taken.
“’Fines WILL apply’ … Yeah nah. No one on this train is bothering. Bin it now,” one person wrote.
“Haven’t worn a mask on a Sydney train in about five weeks. Literally no one has said anything to me or even given me filthy looks. This includes the ticket inspector who checked my card and the cop standing on the platform as I got off,” another claimed.
“I wonder how many fines have actually been issued for this, and how long ago the last fine was issued (assuming there were at least some). inquired one Twitter user.
In NSW, it is the responsibility of police, not Transport NSW staff, to issue warnings or infringements for ask noncompliance.
And the fines for forgetting to mask up can be hefty.
Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 carry a maximum penalty of $11,000, or imprisonment for 6 months, or both.
On-the-spot fines include $1000 for breach of a public health order and $500 for failure to comply with a direction to wear or carry a mask for those over 18 among a range of others.
An NSW Police spokesperson did not have recent infringement data at hand but said they were still enforcing the public health orders.
Despite the monster risk, one mask wearer on Friday reported being the “only person” on her Sydney train wearing a mask.
It comes as the Sydney Morning Herald reported the NSW transport Minister David Elliott was considering changing what appears to be a widely-forgotten mandate.
“I think the decision about aviation travel is another timely reminder for us to revisit masks on public transport,” Mr Elliott said.
More Coverage
“Obviously, crowded trains are one thing but train stations and outdoor ferries and things are another.”
“I’ll be talking to the premier this week about making sure that we are as consistent as possible when it comes to trains, planes and cars.”
As of Friday, Australian can now fly internationally, domestically, and transit through airports without needing a face mask.
$200m upgrade plan for busy airport
Australia’s busiest domestic terminal is set to be upgraded for the first time in more than 30 years, in a multimillion-dollar project.
Cancellations before Sydney trains shutdown
Sydney train services are already being affected as the city prepares for the network to come to a standstill for more than two days over a pay deal.
Sydney’s trains to shut down for three days
An industrial dispute will force Sydney trains offline for three days after the union and government could not agree on a 24-hour roster.