Service frequency to improve
A new platform for the tram at Wimbledon station will be completed by the end of 2012, increasing service frequency.
Boris Johnson confirmed the timescale when he visited the London Tramlink fleet in Croydon on Wednesday (February 15).
A second line of track between Mitcham and Mitcham Junction will enable trams to travel in the same direction at the same time.
The improvements will mean a service of one tram every six minutes from Wimbledon, and six new, hi-tech, trams are being provided.
The Mayor inspected the first of six new trams during his Croydon visit. The first tram is expected to be in service by the end of the month, and all six by the summer.
The £16.3million investment in the new trams is part of a wider regeneration of Croydon that is being supported by the Mayor including a £23 million investment from the Mayor's Fund, which is being used to help following the devastation of its town centre in last year’s riots.
More than 28 million passengers a year now use the tram network, a massive 45 per cent increase since it opened in 2000. The new trams will help reduce congestion on the busiest parts of the network, approaching East Croydon and West Croydon stations.
Once all six trams are in service, passengers will benefit from a new direct service between Therapia Lane and Elmers End, where currently they would need to change, and up to four extra trams an hour. This will mean ten trams an hour at peak times for passengers travelling on the Elmers End route.
When on board passengers will find the new trams are air-conditioned, more spacious and equipped with better accessibility and safety features. The introduction of the new trams has also led to the creation of 20 new jobs at London Tramlink.
Mr Johnson said: "Trams are the cornerstone of the local economy and the superb new additions to our fleet will help deliver the better and more frequent services that local people deserve."
Richard Tracey, Assembly member for Merton and Wandsworth, added: "This is very welcome investment and improvement by Boris on this increasingly popular mode of our transport."
February 16, 2012