Public transport capacity to increase as NSW records no community cases
NSW's public transport capacity will be nearly doubled next month, with more "green dots" to be added to services.
From July 1, there will be 68 passengers allowed on a Waratah train carriage, 23 on a bus and 450 on a Freshwater ferry. Forty people will be allowed on a light rail service and 65 in a metro train.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced public transport capacity would be nearly doubled from next month.Credit:Nick Moir
"We are still encouraging people to travel outside the peak where possible," Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters on Tuesday, describing the state's public transport pandemic response as "world-leading".
NSW recorded three new coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour reporting period, all in hotel quarantine. There were 7895 tests conducted.
Ms Berejiklian encouraged people to continue to come forward for testing, saying the easing of restrictions was only possible with high testing numbers.
"Please don't assume [symptoms are] a cold or a flu, please assumed it's COVID," she said.
Last month capacity on the state's public transport network was slashed, with just 12 people allowed on a bus and 32 in a train carriage. Green dot stickers show people where they can sit and stand to maintain social distancing.
An extra 3300 weekly train and bus services were added as a result of the changes.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance thanked the "kindness of commuters" in adapting to the green dot system.
He encouraged people to still walk or cycle on short trips, and avoid the network if they have even mild respiratory symptoms.
"We're urging commuters, if you feel the slightest bit unwell, don't jump on the bus or the train - get tested."
Trains and buses will continue to be cleaned two or three times a day.
Mr Constance said the pop-up carpark at Moore Park was likely set to close, although they wanted to keep "all options open" in case patronage increased.
"We're just going to watch over the next month or so," he said.
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