New figures from the Department for Transport demonstrate the need for continued support for the light rail sector in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the exception of Manchester Metrolink, networks across England have reported a fall in patronage in the year ending March 2020, a period that covers just a few weeks of the Covid-19 restrictions.

James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram, explained: “Year on year we’ve seen consistent growth across the sector, but the 4.2 per cent decrease reported by the DfT marks the largest reduction in almost 30 years.

“Since March, the advice to avoid travelling on public transport has remained in place, and these new figures reflect the immediate impact of the coronavirus restrictions on light rail.

“They also support the case for ongoing financial support from the government for a sector that will be vital for any ‘green’ economic recovery and UKTram will remain in regular contact with the DfT to share information and raise the concerns of members, helping to shape the government’s response.”

The full DfT report, which shows that 263.4 million passenger journeys were recorded in the last financial year, can be found here