THE GOVERNMENT has confirmed a further package of support for light rail systems in England as they continue operating with reduced passenger numbers due to the Covid crisis.
This is the third package allocated for five systems in England, the previous allocation having run out on 4 August. Government is providing £37.4 million for a further 12-week period to Manchester Metrolink, Sheffield Supertram, Nottingham Express Transit, West Midlands Metro and Tyne and Wear Metro.
The funding enables the operators of these systems to mitigate the impact of lost revenue due to Covid while keeping services running. The tram system in Blackpool did not receive Government support and was suspended for nearly four months before resuming on 19 July. From 16 August services increased from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes during daytimes, with a 20-minute frequency persisting during early mornings and during the evening.
