In the south of Greater London, a 28 km-long tramway network has been providing urban transport services for more than two decades, today with four lines in the borough of Croydon (approx. 345,000 inhabitants) in operation. It connects to the London Underground system at Wimbledon and to the extensive suburban railway network at various other points.
24 Bombardier CR4000 railcars from 1998-99 and 10 Stadler Variobahn from 2012-2015 currently make up the low-floor fleet.
The oldest 24 vehicles are to be replaced by an equal number of new vehicles in the near future, and an option for the delivery of up to 10 additional vehicles is being sought.
The search for a manufacturer to design and build a new fleet of trams to replace the oldest ones operating on the London Trams network has begun, as Transport for London (TfL) has issued an Invitation to Tender. Four pre-qualified manufacturers, Alstom Transport UK Limited, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A (CAF), Hitachi Rail Limited and Stadler Rail Valencia S.A.U, can now proceed to the next stage of the formal procurement process with TfL to design and build the next generation of trams that will, subject to funding, start to be introduced in the late 2020s.
The new trams should offer customers a more comfortable and reliable service along with several improved features including a redesigned interior, air-conditioning, the latest audio and visual real-time travel information, and mobile device charging points. The new trams will include a multi-use area that is designated primarily for wheelchair users but is also able to accommodate pushchairs and luggage when not in use.
The new trams will also feature the latest safety features building on improvements already made on the network, as TfL works to eliminate deaths and serious injuries across London’s transport network as part of TfL’s Vision Zero commitments.
The award of the contract to design and build the new trams is subject to securing a suitable funding package. TfL continues to discuss its capital funding requirements with Government, including major fleet renewals such as this one.
(Info: TfL)
