Operators will receive emergency funding of up to £33
million over the next 11 weeks, building on over £160
million in funding that has already been announced by
the UK government
for light rail and trams during the pandemic – and
taking the total support so far to nearly £200 million.
The funding will support operators as they continue to
face reduced revenues caused by low passenger numbers.
It will ensure these vital services remain viable for
the future, as the country prepares to ease lockdown
restrictions and people start travelling more
frequently.
Transport Minister Baroness Vere said:
As the country opens up in line with the roadmap out of
lockdown, we want light rail and tram services to
be available to passengers and running as normal.
That’s why we’re continuing to fund these vital
transport systems, ensuring that they’re available
now and are ready for people to use when restrictions
ease.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
said:
At the start of this pandemic, we promised to do
everything we could to support people and businesses.
That includes making sure our country’s vital
infrastructure is running for people who rely on it –
such as key workers and those travelling to schools.
Today’s funding means thousands of people across the
north of England and the Midlands can continue to
travel on public transport when they need to, and
that trams will be ready for when the country comes
out of lockdown.
Funding will be provided for the next 11 weeks, with a
review of the need for further funding for these
systems taking place before the end of that period.
Before the pandemic, more than 119 million journeys
were taken by light rail or tram each year on systems
outside of London, highlighting the importance of these
transport networks across the north and Midlands.
