TfL to take over trams (From Croydon Guardian)

TfL to take over trams

4:48pm Monday 17th March 2008 in News By Guardian reporter

Control of Croydon's tram system is to be handed to Transport for London (TfL) in a £98million deal.

TfL announced today its offer to acquire Tramtrack Croydon Ltd, which runs Tramlink, had been accepted.

Taking control of the company means TfL will no longer have to make compensation payments for changes to fare and ticketing policy which last year amounted to £4million.

Current fares and ticketing arrangements are not expected to change but TfL has said it aims to make a number of improvements to the network.

It hopes to double off-peak services between Elmers End and Beckenham Junction from two trams an hour to four on Monday to Saturday evenings and on Sundays.

TfL also hopes to run additional services to relieve overcrowding on the Wimbledon to New Addington line as well as targeting graffiti and vandalism.

“We will be going through the process in the next few months but it will be very good news for Tramlink's customers."

Roger Harding

A programme to improve tram interiors and stops is also expected once the purchase is completed later this year.

Roger Harding, general manager of Tramtrack, said: "We will be going through the process in the next few months but it will be very good news for Tramlink's customers. It is very early stages at the moment and a lot of decisions still have to be made but TfL are talking about the takeover being made official in the summer."

Peter Hendy, TfL commissioner, said: "With 88 years remaining on the concession agreement with Tramtrack Croydon Ltd, this deal represents excellent value for money for London's fare and tax payers.

"It will allow us to build on the success of Tramlink to date, and increase levels of investment in the system to ensure it can keep up with growing demand, all the while providing a safe, reliable service for passengers. Tramlink should be setting the benchmark for tram services throughout the UK."