London’s Tube sees passenger numbers drop and Heathrow reports fall in travellers due to coronavirus


London’s Tube passenger numbers drop and Heathrow reports fall in travellers flying to Asia as coronavirus takes its toll on Britain’s transport network

  • Heathrow revealed a 4.8 per cent year-on-year decline in passenger numbers
  • While Transport for London boss revealed falling passenger numbers last week 
  • The UK government is also not currently telling people to avoid public transport 

London’s Tube has seen passenger numbers drop as coronavirus takes its toll on Britain’s transport network – as it’s revealed Heathrow has also reported a fall in people flying to Asia.

The UK’s busiest airport revealed a 4.8 per cent year-on-year decline in passenger numbers in February due to coronavirus and said the fall to 5.4 million passengers was driven by lower demand on Asian and European routes. 

Elsewhere, Brian Woodhead, the Customer Service Director of Transport for London, revealed there had been a two per cent reduction in passenger numbers across the network last week. 

Despite this TfL and London Mayor Sadiq Khan say there is no need to panic and people should carry on using the trains and buses. 

TfL has reportedly seen a two per cent reduction in passenger numbers across the network last week (stock image)

The UK's busiest airport (pictured today) revealed a 4.8 per cent year-on-year decline in passenger numbers in February

The UK’s busiest airport (pictured today) revealed a 4.8 per cent year-on-year decline in passenger numbers in February

The UK government is also not currently telling people to avoid public transport. 

The Heathrow figure takes into account the extra day last month as 2020 is a leap year. And the airport warned that demand has continued to weaken in March.

The airport’s chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, said: ‘The threat of coronavirus is an increasing challenge for the UK and we are working day and night to ensure Britain’s front door is open and safe for our people and passengers.

‘We will continue to work with the Government to limit the impacts this will have on UK plc.’

TfL has launched an ‘enhanced cleaning regime’ in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Additional substances which kill viruses and bacteria are being used across the London Underground and bus networks, the transport body announced.

The busiest stations will be cleaned more regularly than usual, including during the day.

Bus parts which are regularly touched – such as poles and doors – will be wiped down with a strong disinfectant every day.

John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport, said the threat of coronavirus is an increasing challenge for the UK

John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport, said the threat of coronavirus is an increasing challenge for the UK

TfL is also testing a longer lasting disinfectant, which provides up to 30 days of anti-viral protection.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: ‘I’m doing all I can to work with Public Health England and other experts to keep Londoners safe so I’m pleased that TfL is stepping up enhanced cleaning across the transport network.

‘Along with trialling new longer lasting cleaning fluid, this will help reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading.

‘I want to reassure Londoners and visitors that the advice from experts is to continue with our daily lives as normal, including using public transport.’

Lilli Matson, director of health, safety and the environment at TfL, said: ‘We want to give Londoners and our staff peace of mind that their safety is our priority, which is why we have enhanced our already rigorous cleaning regime.

‘A lot of our cleaning goes on when stations are closed or trains are out of service, so, to provide additional reassurance, teams will be cleaning areas that are frequently touched throughout the day, in addition to the enhanced cleaning regime that all bus garages will be carrying out.’

The Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said it could see a reduction in passenger numbers but added it was too early to release any specific figures. 

A spokesman said: ‘The rail industry is monitoring the latest Public Health England guidelines closely and working together on preparations which include planning for a range of different scenarios. 

‘At the same time, we are ensuring that rail staff are kept aware of the latest advice to maintain good hand hygiene and keep surfaces clean, particularly in customer facing locations.’