Covid-19: Transport

The Minister outlined that the guidance advises passengers to continue working from home if possible and avoid busy times, walk or cycle where applicable, maintain social distancing at all times, use face coverings as a precautionary measure, avoid rush hours, plan visits carefully, and follow operators’ advice. He also mentioned that transport workers have done an incredible job during the crisis and urged passengers to be patient and considerate.

McMahon thanked the Secretary of State for advance sight of the statement and acknowledged the efforts of transport workers. He criticised the government's guidance as unclear and potentially harmful to frontline staff, citing high fatality rates among professional drivers. He questioned the availability of PPE and called for consistent standards across devolved nations.

Shapps welcomed McMahon's new post and provided updates on deaths related to transport workers. He addressed concerns about overcrowding, advising the public to avoid unnecessary travel and highlighting proactive measures being taken. He defended the specificity of the advice given and offered a briefing for McMahon on PPE use in transportation.

Merriman warmly welcomed Shapps' statement and work, asking about self-distancing measures and PPE supplies. He suggested giving out face coverings for free at transport stations to ensure their use.

Clarified that the government is not advising medical-level PPE usage but encouraging homemade alternatives. Emphasised social distancing measures and working with tech companies to provide crowd data for safer travel. Mentioned support for businesses through increased inspections.

Acknowledged the accelerated investment in active travel schemes but criticised the weak language used regarding vulnerable workers' protection, demanding stronger guidance. Questioned the cost of implementation and funding support for transport operators.

Responded to Newlands by reiterating reliance on businesses following guidelines and employees using available routes if not satisfied. Highlighted extensive financial support provided to public transport and ongoing discussions with aviation companies.

Asked about the Government's efforts in cooperation with allies such as the US and Europe to ensure safe resumption of aviation operations without negative economic impacts, emphasising its importance for UK economy's global reach.

Acknowledged the importance of the aviation sector and its support from the Chancellor. Detailed ongoing discussions with companies to explore further assistance beyond existing schemes, stressing the need for balanced support involving shareholder contributions.

Paid respects to transport workers who died due to covid-19. Raised concerns about reliance on public transport in communities lacking cycling or walking alternatives, advocating for better protection of workers.

Responded by highlighting data showing significant potential for cycling and walking to work, supporting trials of e-scooters. Acknowledged limitations but emphasised the positive impact of even a small increase in such modes of transport.

Asked Members to keep their questions brief due to time constraints, without specific details or positions on the topic under debate.

Inquired about assessment of motorcycle usage for commuting during lockdown easing and incentives being considered by the government.

She questioned whether Ministers were taking sufficient care with their statements regarding travel restrictions and summer holidays, arguing that words could have an immediate impact on the travel industry.

Responded by emphasising the importance of clarity in communication but also cautioning against false hope. He noted the current inability to proceed with summer holidays and stated that it would depend on progress made in combating the virus.

Asked for evidence supporting quarantine measures from low-prevalence countries, highlighting concerns about these measures affecting travel from much of the world.

Responded by providing current estimates on active covid-19 cases and explained that quarantine measures are necessary to prevent further spread while social distancing continues.

Inquired about discussions between the Minister and his Scottish counterpart regarding travel regulations differing in Scotland and England, specifically concerning cross-border rail services enforcement.

Replied that he had been working constructively with devolved Administrations throughout the pandemic process. He acknowledged differences such as the R rate in Scotland and explained the necessity of different messages.

Asked for clarity on £2 billion available to local authorities for local transport, specifically regarding the transformation cities fund bid in Stoke-on-Trent.

Acknowledged the importance of securing transforming cities funding and expressed his support for efforts being made by Members from Stoke-on-Trent, without providing specific details on the £2 billion fund allocation process.

Asked about cross-border transport guidance and enforcement regarding face coverings in confined areas such as public transport across the Wales-England border.

Replied by confirming that they were clear in their guidance on different rules for England and Wales, and promised to take on board suggestions regarding cross-border discussions and enforcement.

Expressed concern over rural bus transport as a lifeline for older people who rely heavily on buses. He asked for reassurance that routes can be operated safely and financially viably to maintain services during the crisis.

Acknowledged the dilemma of discouraging public transport use while supporting bus operators, announcing a multimillion-pound deal as a bus support grant. He also highlighted plans for a multibillion-pound fund to support buses in left-behind communities.

Welcomed the Government’s intention to encourage walking and cycling but expressed concern over potential increases in car use. She asked for measures to minimise this spike and extra freedoms for local authorities.

Announced a £2 billion fund for promoting cycling and walking, including plans for expanding pavements and creating new thoroughfares. He also mentioned new voucher schemes to repair bikes as part of these measures.

Asked about discussions with the Mayor of London and Network Rail regarding returning London transport system to full working capacity, including social distancing and temperature scanning at termini.

Responded by providing details on increased ridership, ongoing communication with TfL, measures for boosting services, and the importance of alternative means of transport. He also mentioned plans involving marshalling and staff support to manage passenger flow.

My constituents work for BA, including Stephen who has worked there for 31 years. He is concerned about losing his job and home from June 15th. With £10 billion in cash reserves, it is worrying that staff are being laid off. The Secretary of State needs to assess the resilience of airlines and their finances.

The government's response aims for a balance between taxpayer involvement, workforce protection, and recognising potential changes in aviation. Daily dealings with the sector ensure that support packages are in place for hard-working staff at British Airways and other companies.

Asks what steps the Secretary of State is taking to support open-access train operators during the crisis, emphasising the need for these essential providers to survive.

Supports open-access trains as a good idea with high satisfaction levels. Hull Trains has been mothballed temporarily but looks forward to continuing conversations with the train operating companies, especially FirstGroup, which is currently furloughing staff.

Reminds Members to make questions concise during statements or urgent questions due to a large number of Members not being able to ask the Secretary of State a question.