Public transport

Using public transport

What you should do when using public transport.

• Wear a face mask. Wearing a mask is mandatory on public transport in the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong areas. Children 12 years and under are exempt but encouraged to wear a face mask. Mask must be worn on the concourse, at coach/bus stops, and while travelling. Penalties will apply.
• Plan ahead and avoid travelling in the busiest times if you can. If you are not already using public transport in the peak, please do not start now. Services are already close to capacity to allow for physical distancing at these times. Off peak times are between 10am and 3pm. 
• Check the capacity of services before you travel with the Trip Planner, transport apps or social media to see which services have space available to maintain physical distancing.
• Practise good personal hygiene and maintain physical distancing. 
• Look for the green dots. These have been placed to show you the safest places to sit and stand.
• Observe capacity limits: physical distancing capacity limits on services means you may be asked to wait for the next service.

More information is available from Transport for NSW.

Taxis and rideshare

Passengers

When you use taxis and rideshares (also called 'point-to-point services'), you should practice physical distancing where possible. As a passenger in a taxi or rideshare you should;

• sit in the back seat
• use contactless payment
• avoid travelling if you are unwell
• handle your own luggage
• wear a face mask in Greater Sydney areas.

If you are using a taxi or rideshare within the 14-day isolation period to travel to your place of isolation, you should also wear a mask.

Read the Safe travel tips for the point to point transport industry factsheet.

Operators

As the operator of a taxi or rideshare, you should follow advice from Transport for NSW.

Point-to-point transport businesses should complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan for Taxis, hire cars and rideshare services to help minimise the risk of transmission when you are providing a point-to-point service.

You can find out about the rules on cleaning, masks and eligibility for financial support by reading

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from the Point-to-Point Commissioner
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) fact sheet for the point to point transport industry.
• How to clean your vehicle.

Party buses

A party bus is a vehicle being used on a commercial basis for the purposes of a party, whether or not the party takes place during transportation between locations.

Commercial party bus operators must

• develop and comply with a COVID-19 Safety Plan
• ensure the square metres rules apply for each person on the party bus.

Party buses should also follow the guidance for community and private bus services.