THE founder of a transport-app which helps commuters plan crowd-free journeys, says the reported reduction in mask-use on trains is “deeply concerning”.

According to Network Rail only 20 percent of passengers are still wearing masks at train stations in England. That compares with 80% before restrictions were lifted on 19 July.

Commenting on the drop-off Dash Tabor, the co-founder of TUBR, a London-based transport app, said: “People have consistently told us they feel more comfortable on trains, tubes and buses when everyone is wearing a mask. While the general feeling of anxiety is decreasing a significant part of the population would like to see masks remain. It feels like a simple options to make people feel safe.”

There is no legal requirement to wear a mask on public transport in England, although it remains the case in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Several unions that represent transport workers say they are concerned that there has been a drop in mask-wearing, even on TfL services.

Mike Lynch, general secretary of the RMT union, said his members had noticed a marked policy drift since the government changed the rules.

“Even on London Transport, where it is supposed to be a condition of carriage, just like paying a fare, the policy is coming apart at the seams and as more people see others failing to comply, the situation will escalate quickly over the autumn,” he said.

Transport for London currently has more than 500 uniformed officers who are undertaking compliance activity on networks across London and non-exempt customers who fail to comply may be refused travel.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of train drivers’ union Aslef, said his members had also noticed a change.

“[Mask-wearing] is mandatory – but not enforced – on TfL and we have noticed a decline, in recent days, in the number of passengers wearing masks,” said Mr Whelan.

“We believe mask-wearing should be mandatory on trains – to protect passengers and staff and to control the Covid-19 pandemic.”