The Waterloo and City line on the underground reopens on Monday for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The important London commuter link, which connects Waterloo and Bank stations in the centre of the capital, closed in March 2020. Services will now run every five minutes Monday to Friday from 6am to 10am and 3.30pm to 7pm. Transport for London (TfL) said the operating hours would enable customers to stagger their journeys during rush hour and provide extra capacity for people who have to travel at peak times. The line had been scheduled to reopen on 21 June. Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, said: “I’m delighted that the Waterloo and City line is returning from today, ahead of schedule. “As London’s economy continues to reopen and more people return to the offices, having this key artery connecting Waterloo and Bank stations up and running will be vital.” During the pandemic, Waterloo and City line tube drivers were drafted on to the Central line to help manage the extra services required to ensure social distancing was maintained. TfL said the number of people using the tube had increased by more than 20% since 17 May. Catherine McGuinness, policy chair at the City of London Corporation, said: “Today’s reopening of the historic Waterloo and City line is an exciting and vital moment in the Square Mile’s recovery as it marks a huge step on our journey back to normality. “The Waterloo and City line will support the return of the City’s commuting workforce back to the Square Mile as the easing of restrictions allows. The additional footfall generated will also provide reassurance to the many businesses that rely on commuter traffic for trade.” TfL said there would be occasions when social distancing was not possible as more people returned to using the network, and advised people to consider waiting for the next service when necessary. Face masks must still be worn across the transport network.