Transport for London prepares for return of passengers as national lockdown ends

Ahead of the lifting of national lockdown tomorrow Transport for London (TfL) is issuing guidance for those planning to use its services.

London will be placed in tier 2 of the Government’s COVID alert levels and more people are expected to use transport as London’s shops, businesses and hospitality venues reopen and university students travel home ahead of the Christmas period.

The Government advice on travelling within tier 2 makes it clear that customers can travel to venues or amenities that are open, but they should walk or cycle where possible and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

TfL is asking customers to plan ahead and travel during the quiet times. These are currently between 8.15am and 4pm, and after 5.30pm on weekdays, as well as before noon and after 6pm on weekends.

TfL has said trains and stations are cleaned with hospital-grade cleaning substances that kill viruses and bacteria on contact and providing ongoing protection.

A recent independent test, carried out by Imperial College London, has found no trace of coronavirus on the Tube and bus network for the third month in a row.

TfL has also recently installed more than 150 ultraviolet light sanitising devices on escalators on the London Underground network, following a six-week trial earlier this year. The devices use UV light to clean the handrails on escalators and supplement TfL’s existing extensive anti-viral cleaning regime.

Earlier this year TfL entered into an extensive partnership with Dettol to install hand sanitiser units across the London Underground network filled.

Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “Londoners will be keen to enjoy London’s shops, businesses and hospitality venues in the run up to Christmas.

“That’s good for London, and we are here to get you where you need to go, but it’s incredibly important that everyone follows the Government guidance on how to keep everyone safe and that customers continue to take the simple steps of good hand hygiene, social distancing wherever possible and wearing a face covering throughout journeys unless exempt.

“The minority of people who refuse to wear a face covering and who aren’t exempt, risk being issued a fine from the police or our own enforcement officers.

“Parts of London may be busier, particularly around the popular shopping and hospitality destinations, so we are asking everyone to plan ahead and travel during the quiet times so that social distancing, and keeping safe, is easier for everyone. That way we can all play our part in keeping the virus at bay and helping London return to normality in the future.”

Picture credit: Tom Page