As previously agreed with the Government before the announcement of the lockdown restrictions being lifted, Transport for London (TfL) has begun to step up public transport service levels to make journeys as safe as possible for people who have no alternative other than to use public transport.
As of Monday 18 May, TfL is now operating:
- 85% of bus services;
- 75% of Tube services;
- 80% of London Overground and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services;
- 100% of TfL Rail services;
- 95% of London Trams services;
- 95% of Cycle Hire services;
- 100% of the Emirates Airline; and
- A one boat service on the Woolwich Ferry.
Posters and PA announcements around the network and social media channels are reminding people to wear face coverings while using public transport. More social distancing markers at bus stops and shelters are now being installed across the capital.
Bus passengers are asked to observe social distancing at stops and bus stations wherever possible, to board buses through the middle doors and to allow other passengers to get on and off while maintaining social distancing. Bus passengers are also asked to make use of all available space, including the upper deck. If buses are very busy, customers are asked to wait for the next bus.
Hand sanitiser points are being installed in all bus stations in London and at selected TfL Rail, London Overground, Tram stops and DLR stations, as well as at Victoria Coach Station, the Woolwich Ferry and Emirates Air Line.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Coronavirus poses monumental challenges to our city’s complex public transport network. TfL is working hard to increase services to pre-Covid levels despite staff being ill, shielding or self-isolating. But even when services are running at the highest possible frequency, the need to maintain safe social distancing will dramatically reduce capacity on the Tube to just 13-15%.
“We are making it safer for people who have no alternative but to use public transport by reopening stations, installing hand sanitiser points, introducing one-way systems and reminding people of the need to stay two metres apart
