Revealed: Bus drivers are being told to IGNORE social-distancing rules and accept all passengers during peak hour - even if they're at full capacity
- Sydney bus drivers have been told to pick up all passengers against restrictions
- The government capped the capacity of buses to 12 passengers on Monday
- Officials feared bus drivers would be assaulted if they turned passengers away
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Bus drivers have been told to ignore strict social-distancing rules and to accept all passengers as officials fear staff will be attacked.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian capped the number of passengers on buses at 12 as the state cautiously loosens COVID-19 lockdowns.
However, a briefing sent to drivers by Transport for NSW advised that physical distancing would not be practical, especially during peak periods.
'You should advise customers when you have reached capacity under the new physical distancing guidelines but do not refuse them travel,' it read, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Bus drivers are being told to allow all passengers to board despite the against NSW government's social distancing restrictions. Pictured is a Sydney bus in March
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Drivers were also told to always pick up school children.
An anonymous bus driver explained that officials feared turning away passengers would lead to staff being assaulted and abused.
'The reason for that is that before we get those screens in the buses, people are scared some commuters will spit on them,' the driver reportedly said.
Bus and train seats will be marked with a green sticker to guide people on where to sit while staying 1.5 metres apart
But even if people ignored the rules NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said they would not be punished.
Under the new measures introduced on Monday commuters will be required to stay 1.5m apart with seats on buses and train marked with green stickers to help act as a guide.
Train stations will also be shut down if they become too busy and the government encouraged people to drive to work if they could not work from home.
'Buses and trains in the peak remain an ongoing concern,' Ms Berejiklian said.
'Where people can work from home we recommend that happen. If you can avoid the peak (before 10am and after 2pm) altogether then that's the best option.'
An overflow car park at Moore Park, next to the Sydney Cricket Ground, is now free to encourage more driving.
In normal times, 2.2million journeys are made on NSW public transport everyday but the figure is now at 570,000 with trains and buses already at maximum capacity under the new rules.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Transport for NSW for comment.
An anonymous bus driver explained that officials feared turning away passengers would lead to staff being assaulted and abused. Pictured is a Sydney bus driver in March
