ENGLISH tram and light rail systems outside London are getting more financial help, as passenger revenues continue to sag as a result of coronavirus restrictions.

The latest award from the Department for Transport is worth up to £67.8 million, bringing the total funding for trams and light rail to more than £160 million since the pandemic began.

Local authorities and operators in Sheffield, Tyne and Wear, Nottingham, the West Midlands, Manchester and Blackpool are set to receive up to £35.4 million over the next 12 weeks. Up to a further £32.4 million will then be available subject to a government review which will examine how local authorities are planning to balance their transport books by March next year.

Light rail minister Baroness Vere said: ‘Trams serve as a vital link for communities in the North and Midlands – whether it’s to get to local shops, school or work, we know many people rely on these services every day.

‘That’s why we’re continuing to fund services so that they can operate safely during the pandemic. Passengers across the North and Midlands will continue to have access to the services they need.’

Meanwhile, the increasingly angry debate over Transport for London’s funding, including TfL trams, is continuing, and there has been no resolution so far.