NSW govt launches a 'coronavirus taskforce' for buses and trains

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said measures are already being put into place.

"Transport for NSW has established a taskforce to manage incidents and prepare for various scenarios for events that could occur on our network with the clear focus on keeping our staff and customers safe and the continuity of our services," the spokeswoman said.

"Increased cleaning of hard surfaces at high-traffic areas across the [rail] network has been rolled out and will continue for the foreseeable future."

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Public messages advising people to wash their hands and avoid close contact are posted at train stations.

"Transport for NSW is following the directive of NSW Health and we are proactively addressing the situation as it evolves with expert advice from health and operational professionals," the spokeswoman said.

Bus companies in the Illawarra have been provided with guidelines on dealing with coronavirus.

"Fact sheets have been distributed to operators with advice in line with NSW Health guidelines and key updates are being provided on a regular basis," the spokeswoman said.

"This includes encouraging operators to tell their customers and employees to practice good hygiene as the best way to prevent the spread of the virus, along with advice about washing hands for customers and encouragement to seek further medical advice from NSW Health."

It is understood that an increase in cleaning regimes on buses is also being looked at, though a rollout of onboard hand sanitiser stations is not being considered.

Despite this, NSW TWU secretary Richard Olsen said bus drivers "face a higher risk of being infected".

"Our bus driver members are telling us that they are receiving very little information about COVID-19 safety," Mr Olsen said.