Light rail and tram operators in the north and Midlands regions of England are to receive £33m in emergency coronavirus funding from the UK government.
Operators in Nottingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, Blackpool, Manchester and Birmingham will receive a share of the funds over the next 11 weeks to ensure local transport is available.
According to the government, the funding will support operators as they continue to face reduced revenues caused by low passenger numbers.
The support aims to ensure these services remain viable for the future as the country prepares to ease lockdown restrictions and people start travelling more frequently.
UK transport minister Baroness Vere said: “As the country opens up in line with the roadmap out of lockdown, we want light rail and tram services to be available to passengers and running as normal.
“That’s why we’re continuing to fund these vital transport systems, ensuring that they’re available now and are ready for people to use when restrictions ease.”
The latest round of funding builds on over £160m provided for light rail and trams during the pandemic.
There will be a further review to determine if additional funding for these systems is required after the 11-week period.
Chief secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay, said: “Today’s funding means thousands of people across the north of England and the Midlands can continue to travel on public transport when they need to, and that trams will be ready for when the country comes out of lockdown.”
