The second of the Stadler constructed Variotrams for London Tramlink arrived at
Therapia Lane Depot during the early hours of Monday 27th February. Numbered 2555 it is thought that the tram came directly from Stadler’s construction plant near Berlin in Germany rather than the first tram which went to Chemnitz for testing before making the trip.
At the recent press launch ceremony for the Variotrams at Therapia Lane officials from
Transport for London were reported as saying they were planning on putting 2554 to work by the end of February. With us now in March it goes without saying that this deadline has been missed as there have been no reports of the tram carrying passengers as yet.
Reports on the Croydon Tramlink Yahoo! Group suggest that 2554 has covered the entire Tramlink network under its own power although it is thought all those have been done during the early hours of the morning when no other trams have been out and about. You would imagine that before the Variotrams enter service they will at least be tested during daylight hours when the Bombardier tram are in service so as to make sure the two are compatible – not that there are any suggestions to the contrary!
Transport for London are planning that are all six of these trams will be ready to enter
service by June when the line 4 service between Therapia Lane and Elmers End is due to commence.