An Olympic-style plan to prevent buses and Tube trains getting overcrowded is being drawn up to help London come out of lockdown, it can be revealed today.
Transport for London chiefs say restrictions on peak travel are likely to be imposed to ensure passengers can maintain “social distancing” rules and prevent a second spike in infections.
Near to 100 per cent of services will run, but keeping passengers two metres apart will cut capacity to a sixth of normal levels. TfL is also set to introduce a temporary network of protected bike lanes and wider pavements to cope with an anticipated rise in walking and cycling.
Details emerged as Mayor Sadiq Khan vowed to be “honest and upfront” with Londoners about major changes to travel, adding: “There will be no quick return to business as usual.”
It came as TfL revealed it was placing 7,000 of its 25,000 staff on furlough from Monday, and as it appealed for a government bail-out to keep Tubes and buses running.
TfL has spent half of its £2 billion cash reserves and is only receiving about 10 per cent of usual fares income. Staff will initially be furloughed for three weeks. TfL will top up the amount paid by the Government to ensure staff receive their full wage.
