Nine in ten passengers are wearing face masks of their own accord as staff crack down on those flouting the rules, say rail operators.
Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink staff took part in an eight-week trial assessing compliance across their networks, with support from British Transport Police. The trial also took place on Great Northern trains.
They found that 90.8 per cent of passengers were already wearing face coverings, rising to 98.4 per cent after a polite request.
Only 0.2 per cent of passengers refused – they were marched off from the train or station, or issued a penalty notice.
Chief Superintendent Martin Fry from British Transport Police, said: “Wearing a face covering whilst travelling has become part of our everyday routine and we are all contributing to stemming the spread of Covid-19 cases nationwide.
“Wearing one in the vicinity of others significantly reduces the transmission of the disease and saves lives.
“We are pleased that compliance with this law has been high across the rail network, demonstrating that the majority of people are listening and embracing their role in protecting each other by wearing face coverings on trains and in stations.
“We will now analyse the data and work closely with the rail industry to explore next steps.”