Transport for London launches new public transport campaign

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new campaign that shows the value and benefits of using public transport to make the most of London this summer and beyond.

On some weekends, overall ridership levels have exceeded pre-pandemic figures, partly due to a series of blockbuster events. Latest figures show that central London stations are matching if not exceeding pre-pandemic levels at weekends, with international events and London's cultural gems acting as an impetus for a huge return of visitors to London.

On weekdays, passenger levels on the Tube and bus regularly reach at least 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, while on London Overground, journeys are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels and bus ridership is experiencing a solid recovery.

In one week in July over one million people attended live music events, and cinemas experienced their busiest weekend in four years thanks to the premieres of Barbie and Oppenheimer. London expects to welcome two million more international arrivals this year than last, bringing in an additional £674m.

Recent figure show that tube passenger figures On Saturdays on the tube have surpassed 2019 levels on several occasions. On 17th June, Harry Styles's concert resulted in Wembley Park Underground station recording almost 134,000 entries and exits, its highest-ever number for a Saturday. On 8th July, the station had 120,000 entries and exits for Blur's concert at Wembley compared with around 50,000 on a typical Saturday.

On 1st July, the day of The London Pride parade, the network had its busiest Saturday since December 2019 with 6.9 million entries and exits on the Tube network. On the same weekend, the Northern line experienced the most passengers for any line on the Night Tube since the New Year, with 86,000 entries and exits between 00:30 and 04:30.

Over 50,000 entries and exits were made at Southfields station for three days running during the first week of the Wimbledon championships, almost three times its usual number.

On 5th July, Battersea Power station had its busiest day of the year with nearly 35,000 entries and exits. At the same time the 75th anniversary of the NHS, at the station was commemorated by the nearby power station's iconic chimneys being illuminated in blue.
Every day between three to four million Tube journeys are made across the TfL network, about 85 per cent of pre-pandemic levels seen, and on weekdays about five million bus journeys, about 80-85 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. On the Elizabeth line more than 600,000 journeys on weekdays, exceeding predicted ridership levels.

TfL's new campaign highlights the value and benefits that public transport offers for people with all travel needs and budgets to help them make the most of London's summer events. The campaign is being promoted through digital content, radio and posters, that highlight the benefits of using public transport with its money-saving features including daily capping, off-peak times, and the bus and tram Hopper fare.

The new campaign followed the “Let's Do London” campaign, which was London's largest-ever domestic and international tourism campaign. Designed to encourage residents and visitors back to London, it brought in an extra £346m and 850,000 more overnight visitors.

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The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is roaring back this summer, with millions of tourists from around the globe and visitors from nearer afield joining Londoners using public transport to enjoy our incredible events and go to our world-renowned theatres, venues, galleries and museums. There is so much still to look forward to with a wide array of festivals, events, exhibitions and performances showing why London is the greatest city in the world. It will truly be a summer to remember, as we continue to build an even better and more prosperous city for everyone.”

London's Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “London is once again bursting at the seams with things to do, and it is wonderful to see the city return to the same vibrancy it had before the pandemic. Public transport continues to be a vital part of London's economic recovery, and just as there are events and festivals to suit all interests, there's also a public transport option to suit your needs, whether it's speed, cost or convenience that's important to you. Our partnerships with top attractions across the city are also a great way to see and experience something new for less.”

Laura Citron, CEO of Visit London, said: “There are so many reasons to get out and enjoy summer in London this year. We've got the perennial favourites like Notting Hill Carnival and All Points East alongside brand-new attractions like the BBC Earth Experience and ABBA Voyage. The Elizabeth line is carrying millions of visitors from Heathrow Airport to the city centre quickly and affordably. And closer to home, there are brilliant festivals, parks and attractions to visit by bus. People travel from all over the world to experience what London has to offer – and Londoners can make the most of it by public transport.”

Sanjay Patel, Managing Director of The Hundred, said: “We're absolutely delighted to have a number of fixtures at Lord's and The Kia Oval throughout August and we want as many people as possible to come and be a part of The Hundred. Both venues are very well situated for public transport and there's nothing like the walk from the Tube station to the ground to really whet the appetite for the atmosphere, the noise and the colour of the games ahead. We've sold a lot of tickets across London and we're excited to welcome fans back into both venues in the capital.”

Christopher Joell-Deshields, CEO at Pride in London said: “Pride in London saw well over 1.5 million attendees in July, with people flocking to central London, to celebrate, protest and march together under the theme of Never March Alone: championing trans allyship.”