15 Apr Public transport gains momentum as restrictions lift
TfL reported today at the BID’s Transport Forum, that it is seeing confidence rising, with customers coming back to the network.
While demand is much less due to the pandemic – with buses operating at 50% of normal demand, and Tube ridership at 26% – the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions recently found that over 80% would confidently use public transport to visit attractions, compared to 60% this time last year.
TfL is running close to a full service, to enable people to travel with confidence and to maintain social distancing. Customers have been able to stagger their journeys and to travel at quieter times. It is aimed to bring back the Waterloo and City Line by the end of June – and the Night Tube will be re-established once demand returns.
The enhancing cleaning regime rolled out last year continues to operate. TfL uses hospital-grade cleaning substances and Guardicide anti-viral disinfectant. Every night, bus touchpoints are wiped down with Guardicide, and 14,000 bus shelters are wiped down twice a week. In addition – 200 UV light sanitising devices are fitted across 110 escalators, and more than 1000 hand sanitising points are available across the network.
Monthly sampling of touch points and air carried out by Imperial College London since September 2020 has so far found zero traces of coronavirus on the network.
Ventilation is also a priority. Bus windows are being fitted with devices to ensure that they stay open to allow fresh air in, and stickers have been placed on windows, encouraging customers to keep the windows open.
The TfL Go app can be used to get live train times, to check walking and cycling routes for any part of a journey, and to check on quieter times and routes to travel.
An extensive, multi-channel marketing campaign will be rolled out as restrictions lift, with messages on safety and orderliness running continuously. TfL is also offering support to businesses with employer-specific collateral and tailored guidance where required.
For more details, contact the BID team.