Most rail passengers are heeding safe journey rules in Scotland

In the week since face coverings were made mandatory around 90 per cent of customers have followed this guidance. More than 20,000 masks have also been given away at stations while staff have been issued masks and other face coverings for their protection.

However, customers are reminded that the masks will only be available for a limited period and they must take responsibility for their travel choices.

The five rules for safer travel are to avoid travelling if you feel unwell, avoid the peak travel periods of 7am-9am and 4pm-6.30pm wherever possible, wait for the next train if the current one is busy, to keep your face covered and maintain social distancing, including acknowledging that many seats need to be left empty.

With it also taking longer to purchase tickets at a station, Scotrail recommends purchasing tickets in advance using its app or website.

Operations director David Simpson said: “It has been a very positive first week with the new mandatory guidance on wearing face coverings and we are delighted that so many people are joining our hard-working staff to keep everyone safe.

“We are doing everything we can to help customers get used to the changes in rail travel and that’s why we are currently providing face masks at our busiest stations.

“But we remind our customers making essential journeys that this is only for a limited period, and they should be prepared for having their own face covering over the coming weeks and months.”