NEWS.CATEGORY: Political
Sadiq Khan right to warn of TfL funding risk
TSSA has this afternoon backed comments made by Mayor of London Sadiq Kahn in relation to the importance of funding for Transport for London (TfL).
In a strongly-worded statement, the Mayor warned of safety concerns, and post-covid economic recovery stalling unless funding for TfL is brought forward by the government. Last week, the Transport Secretary confirmed an 18-month funding arrangement for train operators and rail services, but TfL’s current funding package runs out soon and there is currently nothing to replace it.
Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: “Sadiq Kahn is absolutely right to warn that without funding for TfL our capital will be at grave risk. This Tory government has already slashed funding for London’s transport network and now it’s very survival – and the wellbeing of the communities across London and beyond which rely on TfL services – hangs in the balance.
“If you want people to socially distance, you need enough services running to allow for space. If you want to keep our children in school they need buses, trains and tubes to get them there. And if you want to keep our economy going without forcing people into private cars and taxis at huge personal and environmental expense then Transport for London simply must have funding to keep London moving.
“For our health and economic wellbeing, funding for TfL must be confirmed, just as it was for our train companies.”