A recent paper published in Science Volume 7, Number 43, Safe Travelling in Public Transport Amid COVID-19, revealed the effectiveness of wearing face masks to prevent coronavirus spread in South Korea. Will you and Transport for London (TfL) use scientific evidence like this to back up messaging to encourage face mask wearing on public transport?

Transport for London (TfL) takes scientific evidence and evidence from behavioural science into account when considering its approach to messaging and communications.

Transport for London’s (TfL) strategy for communications on face coverings is primarily based on evidence from behavioural science. Providing individual pieces of scientific information on their own is generally not enough to change behaviour.

TfL uses the approach that wearing a face covering protects others from contagion, to appeal to an individual's sense of reciprocity. By wearing a face covering, staff and customers can protect each other, which in turn stimulates an emotional response, which behavioural scientists recommend is more effective in encouraging people to change their behaviours and wear a face covering.

TfL uses a wide range of communication channels to ensure staff and passengers are clear on the requirements.