“Getting Britain moving again without overcrowding our public transport represents an enormous logistical challenge,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said as he announced an ambitious programme to help prepare Britain’s transport network for the critical role it will play post-lockdown.
“Even with public transport reverting to a full service, once you take into account the 2m social distancing rule, there would only be effective capacity for one in ten passengers in many parts of our network,” Mr Shapps said.
However, this logistical challenge presents a health opportunity too, he said as he announced a package worth £2 billion which will put walking and cycling at the heart of the Government’s transport strategy.
The exact details of the strategy will be published on June. In the meantime, pop up bike lanes, walking and bus only streets will be fast tracked immediately.
Cycle-to-work schemes and bike repair schemes will also get a boost to increase uptake.
This is an “opportunity to make lasting changes that will make us fitter but also better off both mentally and physically in the long run,” Shapps said.
“Our national recovery can also become a green recovery.”
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