Coronavirus Implications For London's Transport

The problem with the Jubilee line is the feeds into it, firstly from National Rail and the Central line at Stratford....then more National Rail plus the District line at West Ham....then the DLR at Canning Town. It’s no wonder it’s under strain!!

Anyway, update to my previous post - in cab training is to remain paused until at least the end of February. Trainees that were coming to us on the District are once again being returned to whence they came from.

This article suggests that building sites are facing shutdown if the use of the London transport network doesn't decrease...

Also being reported by IanVisits www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2021/01/20/tfl-to-keep-accepting-cash-payments-for-london-travel-tickets/ so it seems legitimate

London has become so dependent on its amazingly-comprehensive passenger transport facilities, that no-one dare close them, even in a national emergency.
During the house-building boom of the '60s and '70s, contractors in NE England bought withdrawn buses to bring their building workers to and from work.
At least one preserved single-decker survived as a result of this, and every time I see it in a period TV drama, I always remember it in bright orange, with 'Moore and Cartwright' emblazoned thereon.

Isn't that the point, though. They are saying that the usage is too high because of building workers using the system, so they are threatening to shut down sites.

If the builders were sensible, they would stagger their hours. It wouldn't change the overall usage, but it could lessen overcrowding.

There is also the matter that building sites are only allowed to work between 8am & 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am & 1pm on Saturdays

That would require some form of central control, with somebody taking the lead. Considering previous form during the pandemic, I wouldn't hold your breath!

The problem is reliance on public transport. Here in the N-East, where in comparison with London, it effectively doesn't exist, you either get yourself to work, or you make yourself unemployable.

In many cases, yes, but for the building trades I suggest that restrictions on working hours and the need for team working are also significant constraints, even without managing the flow of supplies.

A common theme, where reactions are delayed from the underlying causes - before mitigation measures are implemented, and following their impact.

"Phase one of the vaccination programme aims to reduce mortality rates and support the country’s health and social care systems. The vaccine is being offered first to vulnerable groups, such as older people, and those in the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable group, and frontline health and social care workers. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has asked the Department of Health and Social Care to consider occupational prioritisation in the next phase of vaccination, for those whose job puts them at increased risk of exposure to the virus – this would include transport workers." [TfL Commissioner’s report for 3 February 2021 Board meeting]

At last a message has been displayed on the PIS on S stock regarding face masks, not on all trains yet but I imagine it soon will be.

What's the wording of the face mask announcement?
Is it a simple 'please wear a face covering', or does it go into greater detail?

There are four 'pre-made' announcements and 15 phrases to build up others from. So service control can ring the changes a little.
A typical one is;
"Please wear a face covering over your nose and mouth at all times when travelling on our services unless you are exempt. This is to keep us all safe."