Study reveals nearly half of people are concerned about germs on public transport

Our new study reveals 47% of UK-based adults have concerns surrounding germs on public transport. 1 in 5 say they’re still wearing masks on buses, trains and other forms of public transport, while a third are still using hand sanitiser.

We surveyed 1,000 Britons to reveal that 14% of all respondents are “very concerned” about the impact bacteria and germs on public transportation might have on their wellbeing, while 33% report being conscious of it and “somewhat concerned”.

The survey findings conclude that almost half of the UK express a level of concern about public cleanliness on public transport.
Graph showing how concerned the general public is about germs on public transport.

Just 10% of people across the UK use public transport every day, and a further 14% said they use it once or twice a week. When using public transport, 18% of all respondents said that they still wear masks – 5% of which said that they did so “every time”.

A larger 35% say that they still use hand sanitiser when using public transport, with a little over 1 in 10 (14%) saying they do so “every time”.

Graph showing whether people wear a mask or user sanitiser when using public transport.
A quarter of those still taking precautions say that their reason is due to continuing COVID concerns, while 36% say that it is part of their everyday hygiene routine.

Those aged 60+ represent the largest percentage across all age groups taking precautions due to continued COVID concern, with 35% admitting to it being their main reason for continuing to wear masks and sanitise on public transport.

Regionally, 22% of those living in the North of England share the largest voice of concern over germs and how clean the transport is, versus those in Wales, where concern is as little as 6%.
Graph showing whether people use hand sanitiser due to COVID or as a general measure of hygiene.

In addition to our survey, recent data from Gov.uk shows that while public transport methods have seen a gradual increase in use over the course of 2022, these figures are still below the pre-COVID base level.

Graph showing public transport use in 2022 against pre-COVID usage rates.
As of February 2023, use of rail services were only 73% of the figures seen in the same week in 2019 – a reduction of 27%. Buses outside of London have fared slightly better, with usage figures now at 81% of their 2019 equivalent, while use of London buses is at a larger 85%.

London’s tube service has fared slightly worse, sitting at just 74% of its pre-COVID base level.

The introduction of remote and hybrid working models to post-COVID normality might offer some explanation as to the reduction in overall use of public transport, but 39% of all respondents said that they viewed public transport as “too unreliable”, often making them late.

Regionally, 33% of those in both the South and East of England report “terrible” service as one of their main complaints with public transport, while 1 in 5 (22%) of those aged 25-39 feel uncomfortable travelling with strangers.
Graph showing the main reasons people are against using public transport, including that it is unreliable, too expensive, overcrowded, poor service, people feel uncomfortable travelling with strangers and that people are worried about germs on public transport.

On the other hand, 31% of all survey respondents said that public transport was the most convenient form of transport for them, while 24% praised its cost efficiency. These numbers rise in London, where 56% say it’s the most convenient method and 36% say it’s the most cost effective. As might be expected, 39% of Londoners say that public transport is the fastest way to travel the capital.

Commenting on these findings, Managing Director of Perfect Clean, Emilia Ferenc, states:

 

“As our research has shown, public transport remains a convenient and cost-effective mode of travel for much of the British public, used by many on a daily basis. With the global pandemic still lingering in people’s minds, it’s perhaps unsurprising that we have seen half of our respondents saying they’re concerned about cleanliness and hygiene on buses and trains, or continuing to take precautions such as wearing masks and using hand sanitiser. Companies such as ourselves are on-hand to provide fast, effective cleaning services for public transport and other commercial sites, but we would always advise the general public to take care of themselves and others, especially if they are unwell, in order to avoid the spreading of viruses and infections.”