By Lucy Caulkett-
Transport for London (TfL) will lose £500 million as Uk passengers abandon public transport over coronavirus fears.
Underground travel is said to have plummeted by 20 per cent compared with the same period last year in the wake of coronavirus fears. With over 400 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the capital and London confirmed to have the fastest growing rate of the virus, public transport has taken an immediate hit which will affect TFL deeply.
And TfL says Tube and bus use has been falling since the start of the month, as public awareness of Covid-19 began to grow.
The transport for London says fewer journeys by risk averse Londoners have also meant a lot fewer visitors to London from airports and other places have The fall has been attributed to anxiety about catching the virus on public transport are also contributing to falling passenger numbers, the network believes.
TfL chief finance officer Simon Kilonback today called on the Government for support.
He said: “We manage our finances prudently, and have reduced our deficit hugely in recent years.
“This means that we can manage the impacts on our passenger numbers and finances that are currently envisaged.
“But, given the nature of the situation, we will be looking to the Government to provide appropriate financial support.
“We continue to follow and communicate Public Health England advice, including that there is no specific risk on public transport.
“We have also stepped up our cleaning regime from the already very high standards to give our customers and staff further reassurance.”