Press Release

Tube passenger numbers showing strong recovery

19 August 2005

Passengers numbers on the Tube are now showing signs of a strong recovery, following the attacks on July 7 and 21 London Underground (LU) said today. Passenger numbers are now down only around five percent on last year's record numbers.

In the weeks immediately following July 7, LU passenger numbers were down around 10-15 percent on weekdays and 20-25 percent at the weekends.  LU regularly carries over 3m passengers each weekday.  The full Tube network was restored on August 4 with the return of the Circle line and Piccadilly line through central London.

The improving trend in passenger numbers comes after Mayor Ken Livingstone, TfL and Visit London announced this week details of a new multi-million pound campaign, "Everyone's London", aimed at boosting London's economic recovery.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: "These figures clearly demonstrate how London is returning to a more normal situation following the recent bomb attacks, reflects the determination of Londoners to continue enjoying the attractions of our city and not to be defeated by the acts of terrorists. "London remains one of the safest cities in the world and Londoners are continuing to travel to work by Tube and visit London's many attractions. The special promotions and events in the Everyone's London campaign will further encourage both Londoners and visitors to take advantage of what this great city has to offer."

LU Managing Director, Tim O'Toole said: "Last year, London Underground ran more trains and carried more people than ever before.  It's great to see passengers are now using the Tube again in numbers approaching those record figures.

"We've been operating full services for two weeks now and are determined to get on with the job of transforming the Tube.  We're also delighted to support the 'Everyone's London' campaign."

Last year, LU carried more Tube passengers in a single year - 976 million - than ever before, more than the previous high of 970m set four years ago.

LU also ran more trains then ever before, clocking up a huge total of nearly 70m kms.  That's the equivalent of 1,735 times round the world, or 90 trips to the moon and back.