Transport for London to receive emergency funding
UK: The government has agreed to provide a grant of £1·095bn and a loan of £505m from the Public Works Loan Board to support continuity of operations at Transport for London.
FTA clarifies restrictions on the use of federal funding for vehicle orders
USA: The Federal Transit Administration has published guidance intended to help transport agencies and vehicle manufacturers understand the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which imposes limits on the use of federal funding to procure rolling stock from manufacturers controlled by corporations based in certain countries.
UITP to co-operate with local government sustainability network ICLEI
INTERNATIONAL: The International Association of Public Transport has signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate with the ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability network of more than 1 750 local and regional authorities to promote sustainable, accessible, safe and efficient urban and interurban transport.
National campaign may be needed to get passengers back on public transport
UK: City transport operators could face a 20% fall in ridership after Covid-19 travel restrictions are lifted, according to survey undertaken by Systra
New York to halt overnight Subway service under Covid-19 measures
USA: As part of its Covid-19 measures, New York MTA is to end overnight operation of the New York Subway with effect from May 6. This will allow an intensive programme of cleaning and disinfecting of stations, trains and other equipment between 01.00 and 05.00.
UITP urges EU institutions to recommit to public transport
EUROPE: The International Public Transport Association issued an open letter to EU policymakers on April 28 reiterating its concerns about the ‘unprecedented impact’ of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.
UK announces support for light rail during the pandemic
UK: The Department for Transport has confirmed that a ‘multi-million pound’ package of emergency funding will be provided for light rail networks as part of measures aimed at keeping essential transport services running during the coronavirus pandemic.
Making transport more sustainable after the coronavirus
EUROPE: Emphasising that ‘the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic cannot simply be a return to business as usual’, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe has published guidance for policy makers aiming to reduce car use in urban areas.
Public transport continuity needed to ensure ‘the health crisis does not turn into a social one’
INTERNATIONAL: Ensuring the continuity of public transport services during the coronavirus pandemic is essential to ensure that ‘the health crisis does not turn into a social one’, according to the International Association of Public Transport, United Cities & Local Governments, the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the International Union of ...
Federal Transit Administration releases $25bn in Covid-19 grants
USA: The Federal Transit Administration is to make $25bn available in emergency funding to help the public transport sector through the coronavirus pandemic.
Berlin studies U-Bahn extensions
GERMANY: Three extensions of the Berlin U-Bahn network have been deemed ‘structurally and technically’ feasible, according to a study commissioned by the city government.
APTA members ask Congress for $16bn in emergency coronavirus support
USA: The public transport industry urgently needs up to $16bn in federal government funding support to survive the coronavirus crisis, the American Public Transportation Association announced on March 19.