This is the result of a study by the Charité Research Organization on behalf of the federal states and the Association of German Transport Companies, as the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport announced on Monday in Stuttgart.
The experts compared the risk of infection of commuters in buses and trains with that of people who regularly travel by car, motorcycle or bicycle. Masks have been compulsory for public transport since spring 2020.
However, rules such as keeping your distance or wearing a mask must always be observed
Since February, a total of 681 volunteer participants between the ages of 16 and 65 have been accompanied in the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund area for five weeks. At the beginning and at the end of the study, all test subjects were examined for a possible acute infection by PCR testing or antibody tests that indicate a survived infection. In addition, the participants kept a digital diary on their mobility behavior, daily contacts, cold symptoms or compliance with hygiene rules.
“The results are good news for regular customers in local public transport, but also for the many passengers who have given up using buses and trains in the past few months due to an uneasiness,” said the Chairwoman of the Conference of Transport Ministers and Bremen Senator for Mobility. Maike Schaefer (Greens). However, rules such as keeping your distance, wearing a mask and ventilation must always be observed. Of course, the public transport system is also less busy thanks to the home office. (AFP)
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