NEW measures are being rolled out on trains to promote social distancing.

Northern Rail has begun introducing a raft of ideas to combat the coronavirus crisis.

In its latest roll-out, the company has introduced seat coverings on its trains to ensure a two metre distance is obeyed between passengers.

The measures are a phased introduction which will prioritise fleets within saloon door controls such as the Manchester Airport to Barrow routes.

The plans are projected to take between two to three weeks to complete the entire fleet.

Mark Wilson, a South Lakeland District Councillor, has expressed some concerns about the newly-adapted trains.

He said: “I have concerns about the students who will be using these services for university and locally at Ulverston.

“As businesses start to open up what services will be available for people to use trains to go to work?

“And as shops open up how will passengers planning a journey know which train to try and go for or book for?

“I’m concerned there may not be sufficient space for those expected on the train.

“And I hope the tables and doors would be disinfected on a regular basis.

“There may be a bit more thought required on this.”

In line with the rest of the industry, Northern is currently operating a temporary timetable designed to keep key workers on the move.

As well as this, in a statement issued online, the train franchise said it has a ‘robust plan in place’ for the cleaning of its trains.

It read: “We have a robust plan in place for cleaning our trains. This includes the removal of litter throughout the day and to ensure all surfaces are cleaned on a regular basis.

“On-board our trains and at stations, where facilities exist, there is soap and water available in our toilets for customers to follow NHS advice to wash their hands for 20 seconds.

“If you come across a toilet with no soap, please alert a member of staff immediately.”

Northern has currently suspended the selling of tickets on board trains. All ticket barriers have also been opened, meaning passengers do not have to pass paper tickets through the barriers or present them to staff.

Despite warmer weather during the Bank Holiday weekend, train carriages are still remaining relatively empty, according to Northern, with the Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly line reporting the highest figure of on-board passengers at just 35.