Ken Livingstone has promised passengers on the Croydon Tramlink that they will get a better service as a result of a £98million buyout by Transport for London (TfL).

Tramtrack Croydon Ltd currently operates Tramlink services under a Private Finance Initiative, which started before the Greater London Authority and TfL were created.

Ken Livingstone, who this week launched his campaign for re-election, said: "This is a great deal for Tramlink passengers.

"No longer will we have to pay £4million a year to Tramtrack and we can put that cash into better services for the people of Croydon.

"The tram is very popular - passenger numbers are rising all the time and we can ensure that they get the best possible service."

Tramlink carries 25 million passengers and TfL plans to double the number of off-peak services between Elmers End and Beckenham Junction.

It is also likely to run additional services to relieve crowding on the Wimbledon to New Addington line and will launch a concerted attack on graffiti and vandalism.

"We will peg fares and increase levels of investment in the system to ensure Tramlink can keep up with growing demand, all the while providing a safe, reliable service for passengers," Livingstone added.