In normal times, Transport for London (TfL) does what it says on the tin. Our Tubes, trains, buses and bikes power this city, taking people to work, parties and pubs. But the pandemic has upended this equilibrium, like so much else in life.
We welcome the news that the Government’s Covid bailout has been extended for a further seven weeks. Given the collapse in passenger demand, the network needs funds to replace lost fares.
This short-term deal will create breathing space during the mayoral election and takes us closer to a city in which more people will be out and about.
As we report today, TfL estimates it needs between £2.6 billion and £3.2 billion of government support for 2021/22, and roughly £1.6 billion a year until the end of the decade.
The Government is right to scrutinise the Mayor’s spending on transport — Crossrail delays have been costly and longer-term efficiencies will have to be found. But Londoners should not be punished for the fractious relationship between City Hall and Number 10.
Our transport network is not just convenient for those who use it, it is essential to the capital’s economy and therefore to the nation as a whole.
Levelling up — something this paper supports — is not possible if our city’s infrastructure and economy is allowed to atrophy. London’s infrastructure needs continued investment, not just in day-to-day services but for the future, from Crossrail 2 to the Bakerloo line extension.
These are the critical projects that will power our city and get Britain’s economy moving again.
