UK government throws Transport for London lifeline with extra funding

Transport for London (TfL) has received a short-term funding package to the tune of 220 million pounds (262 million euros), the UK government announced earlier on Friday.

The latest lifeline marks the fourth emergency funding package for TfL, which has been hard by the downturn in passenger numbers due to COVID-19. The current settlement runs until June 24, the government writes. In total the transport company has received close to 5 billion pounds in support.

The office of the Mayor of London welcomed the funding package, but also lamented the fact that the money will only keep TfL going for “a few more months”.

“TfL has a critical role to play in driving the recovery and it supports tens of thousands of jobs across the UK, but the Government’s short-term deals are trapping TfL on life support and putting economic growth and jobs at risk”, the office writes.

The government, on its part, says the deal “also includes the potential for a longer-term capital investment settlement for TfL.” The mayor’s office hopes this will “soon turn into a concrete commitment from the Government”.

Further reading:

• London mayor says Transport for London at risk of bankruptcy
• Union ups the ante with call for 24-hour London tube strike
• London Underground drivers’ night strike enters fifth week
• Transport for London support extended
• New London Underground trains presented for Piccadilly line
• London Underground saved with massive second bail out
• London Underground to be powered with green energy