More Covid funding for TfL and light rail

Covering the passenger revenue shortfall: London Overground passengers observe social distancing.

Funding support for Transport for London has been extended to 18 May pending agreement of a new deal between the Government and TfL, while both the UK and Scottish Governments have extended ongoing support for light rail systems.

The deal for TfL represents a continuation of the terms of the funding package for the second half (H2) of 2020-21, with a new funding deal to be agreed after the mayoral election in early May. The extension from 31 March to 18 May comprises an additional £260 million in base funding plus additional revenue support of approximately £225 million, dependent on actual fares income.

Meanwhile, the UK Government has provided a further £33 million of support to light rail and tram systems, extending this support for a further 11 weeks. The funding supports the Nottingham Express Transit, West Midlands Metro, Sheffield Supertram, Blackpool Trams, Manchester Metrolink and Tyne and Wear Metro. The additional funding takes the total support provided to nearly £200 million since the pandemic began.

Similarly, the Scottish Government has provided a further £7.5 million of emergency funding for Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams, which will be in place until the end of June and takes total support for the two systems to £28.5 million.