Government reveals £56m recovery funding for UK rail services

The government has announced that it is providing more than £50m of recovery funding to light rail services across the country.

The Department for Transport announced today that it is making a further £56m in financial support available to six light rail operators and transport authorities outside of London.

Throughout the pandemic, the government has granted more than £200m of funding to light rail services through the Light Rail Revenue Grant and the Light Rail Restart Revenue Grant.

The government has said that the funding will help to level up the economy and ensure the long-term viability of the sector.

Grant Schapps, transport secretary, commented: “Critically, as restrictions are lifted and passengers return, the light rail sector is important in helping local economic recovery, thereby supporting the government’s ‘levelling-up’ agenda.

“To encourage passengers back, light rail services should be as available as they were prior to the pandemic.

“Without support, however, it may not be possible for operators to maintain the services they have provided up until now.

“I can, therefore, announce that a further £56m in financial support in the form of recovery funding has been made available for the light rail sector.

“This funding will support operators in adapting their commercial offerings to ensure the longer-term viability and self-sustainability of the sector and is intended to be the final tranche of Covid-19-related support.”