There are major changes to the transport system in and around London from Monday 18 May 2020 due to easing of the lockdown.
The Government, the London Mayor and Croydon Council are encouraging people to cycle and walk where possible. To encourage this the Mayor is restricting a number of street in Central London to pedestrians, cyclist and buses only.
Croydon Council is experimenting with blocking off the a number of streets with large flower planter to allow access but not through traffic.
The central Congestion charge and Ultra Low emission zone charges will be reintroduced on Monday 18th May 2020.
The Congestion charge zone will increase to £15.00 and the hours extended from 22nd June 2020.
The Government have agreed to a mixture of grants and Loans to TfL to cover the major short fall in fares. However, this has conditions:
- The Mayor puts up fares.
- The Freedom Pass can no longer be used in Peak hours (at this stage it is not clear if that is just before 09.30 or includes the evening peak).
- Children between the ages of 11 & 18 will have to pay fares (again this is not clear if it is all day or just peak hours)
Entry and exit to buses will continue to be by the centre door.
Rail Services
Both GTR and TfL offer enhanced services from Monday which means in general moving from a Sunday service to a Saturday service.
Some longer distance trains services are asking you to book a seat in advance.
The advice remains the same.
Where possible work from home.
Use cycling and walking where possible.
Try to avoid using the car.
Avoid public transport if you can leaving it for essential journeys only.
If you need to use Public transport please the use the following advice:
- Travel outside the peaks
- Wash your hands before and after the journey
- Wear a face mask
- Try and keep social distancing
- Do not eat on short train journeys
- If possible carry a hand sensitiser