Lockdown restrictions are due to be eased further from Monday 12th April with the opening of non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality and Transport for London has issued guidance for those returning to the network.

Near-normal levels of service on the network are operating and the enhanced cleaning routine for trains, trams buses and stations continues with hospital-grade cleaning substances.

Imperial College London has been carrying out monthly testing since September at touch points and have found no traces of coronavirus.

Anyone who has not travelled recently will see some changes. Over 1000 hand sanitisers have been installed, along with 200 UV light devices on escalators. Extensive signage is in place to remind everyone to socially distance.

TfL are asking employers to stagger shift times so that passengers can travel at quieter times to help maintain social distancing.

If ‘1m plus’ social distancing isn’t possible, passengers will be asked to wait for the next service.

Face coverings will need to be worn in line with the current guidance, unless an exemption applies. More information can be found here.

Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “With Government restrictions continuing to ease, more people are going to be returning to the transport network to travel around London and enjoy the shopping and leisure activities that are reopening.  We are ready and looking forward to welcoming customers both back to our network, which is operating at near-normal levels of frequency, as well as supporting those who are walking and cycling – including Santander Cycles – particularly to complete journeys in central London and the West End.”

“We’re ensuring public transport is cleaner than ever, and our staff across London are ready to assist and to help keep everyone safe.  Public transport is well-ventilated and our frequent public transport services will minimise the instances when social distancing is not possible. I would urge people to try to travel when there is more spare capacity – between 08:15 and 16:00 and after 17:30 on weekdays and before noon and after 18:00 on weekends - and to check before they travel as there may be some service changes at short notice if we deal with any staff absences.”

“I would also ask customers to help us.  Please be patient and wait for the next service, if necessary, to maintain social distancing. Do not assume that photographs showing crowded services are typical of the network – there is plenty of spare capacity available so long as we all work together to spread journeys across the day.”

“Customers must continue to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth unless they are exempt and our enforcement officers and the Police will not hesitate to take enforcement action against anyone not complying with the rules that keep everyone safe.”

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