TSSA calls for non-essential travel ban following packed Tube trains

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, has called for a ban on non-essential travel across public transport following packed London Underground trains this morning, against all guidance to avoid social contact during the Cornavirus outbreak. 

Transport for London (TfL) has taken steps, following the Government's advice, to reduce services and close stations to ensure a safe and reliable service for London's critical workers who need to make essential journeys. 

Manuel Cortes said: 

"The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and TfL could not have been clearer – these services are now for essential journeys for key workers and those caring for the most vulnerable. 

"All other passengers have been told to follow Government advice on social distancing. Packed trains will simply spread the virus more widely and at greater speed, leading to more deaths. Sadly, it appears that some people aren’t taking heed and the Government must now ban all non-essential travel. 

"Those who aren't key workers, as defined by the Government, should be banned from public transport across Britain. What we have seen this morning is shocking and utterly unacceptable, it has to stop now or still more lives will be lost. 

"Bosses have a social and moral responsibility to tell those workers who are not on the frontline that they must work from home and that there is Government assistance. 

"We also have a duty of care to our hard-pressed members across TfL who are continuing to keep London moving in the face of this crisis. They too require social distancing, they too have families and without them the network will not run."