London TravelWatch set out 10 key asks for transport as more people return to work in the capital
14 May 2020
London TravelWatch has today published 10 key asks for TfL, train companies and councils to make sure that public transport can cope with an increased number of passengers as more people start to return to work in London this week.
The watchdog is asking TfL, train companies and councils to:
- Use journey planner and social media alerts to direct passengers away from ‘hotspot’ stations
- Keep fares as low as possible for Londoners who have to use public transport
- Continue to prioritise key workers on public transport
- Skip stops at busy stations so key interchanges are not overwhelmed
- Give clear information on which services are running and how they will operate.
- Adopt a ‘One Team Travel’ approach so real-time disruption information is available to everyone
- Extend stopping/loading restrictions on main roads and operate bus lanes 24/7
- Ban ‘A’ boards from pavements, making it safer to walk
- Increase roads policing to enable safer walking and cycling and speed up buses
- Make all toilets at train and bus stations free
Emma Gibson, Director of London TravelWatch commented: ‘Following the Government’s announcement that those who cannot work from home should return to work this week, those who have no alternative to public transport need reassurance that they can travel safely and that the network in London will not be overwhelmed. Our 10 key asks can help keep public transport moving for those who really need it now and many will help ensure London is best placed to adapt to a post-lockdown and ultimately post-Covid-19 world where increased walking and cycling and more flexible working patterns are likely.’
Update 18/05/20
We received answers to all 10 of our key asks which we have put together in a seperate webpage.
Further information
- London TravelWatch is the official watchdog representing the interests of transport users in and around London, and independent of the transport operators and government. London TravelWatch is sponsored and funded by the London Assembly, part of the Greater London Authority.
- Follow London TravelWatch on Twitter and YouTube. For more information, please contact the London TravelWatch press office on 07734 055494.