The National Transport Authority (NTA) says passenger numbers on subsidised public transport services are "down significantly" when compared with this time last year.

However the NTA says that, in the vast majority of cases, services provided by Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas and Local Link will continue to operate as normal throughout the country.

Preliminary figures suggest daily passenger numbers on public transport have fallen to between 25% and 30% of the equivalent levels in 2019, according to preliminary figures compiled by NTA today.

The NTA says it will continue to monitor transport patterns, in conjunction with the operators.

Each public transport operator has established an internal coordination group, which is meeting daily to monitor developments around COVID-19 and continually update existing contingency plans.

Someone wearing a face mask on a Luas tram in Dublin

The NTA adds: "Any actions being taken by the NTA and public transport operators will be guided by the National Public Health Emergency Team and the advice of the chief medical officer."

To assist commuters, HSE information is being displayed on buses, trams, trains, in stations and on RTPI displays across the country.

The NTA says public transport operators have actively communicated the public health advice on respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene to passengers and staff.

It also says that all customer service channels "remain open and are being monitored" by staff.

Meanwhile all public transport vehicles and stations are being cleaned in accordance with infection control measures as issued by the Health Surveillance Protection Centre (HPSC).