Transport for London have published their latest Business Plan and included in their long term aspirations are the procurement of replacement trams on London Tramlink. These would replace the original Bombardier built CR4000 trams which are now 23/24 years old and starting to prove less reliable leading to reduced services operating at times due to “tram availability”.
The Transport for London Draft 2023 Business Plan covers the period from 2022/23 to 2025/26 and looks to invest in active travel and buses, tackling air pollution and helps to create a safer, greener, fairer city. It also gives TfL the chance to make another plea to central government for more funding to help the capital from achieving all their aims. £8.1 billion is due to be invested in London’s road and rail network during this period.
Little is actually mentioned of just when they would start the procurement of new trams but it is said that it would only be possible if capital investment was secured from central government budgets. The same goes for replacement trains on the Bakerloo line (with trains now 50 years old) as well as signalling on the both the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. The original fleet of Bombardier constructed trams was already one down following the tragic Sandilands accident and in recent years has been further affected by long-term absentees (including 2547 which is off site for investigations into how to complete repairs having not run since February 2019), with the trams now approaching 25 years old (indeed by the time any procurement happens they will likely be beyond this) consideration is being given to finding a new fleet to replace them allowing the network to offer a more reliable service.
Apart from the fact that all tramstops on the network are accessible there is no other mention of Tramlink in the draft business plan but the Docklands Light Railway does also feature. As is already known a fleet of 43 new trains are currently being built to replace two thirds of the current fleet. These trains are being built by CAF and will be 86 metres long (which is the equivalent length of three of the current trains coupled together) allowing for walk-through carriages and more comfortable journeys. They are due to be introduced from 2024.
The Business Plan also allows for a contribution towards feasibility funding for a DLR extension to Thamesmead. This would support the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Areas along with development at Beckton Riverside. If the feasibility study gave positive results additional investment would be needed to construct the line.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “The past two years have been the most challenging in TfL’s history and the pandemic’s impact on TfL’s finances was devastating. But, following tough negotiations and my commitment to prioritise funding for London’s vital public transport, TfL is on track for financial stability, ridership across the network is increasing and there have been major improvements to the capital’s public transport network. It is clear there are many challenges ahead, but TfL’s Business Plan sets out how London’s world-class public transport network will continue to contribute to a better, greener and fairer city for all Londoners.”
Don’t they follow the news about the tram problems CAF have had.
The DLR trains were ordered well before the recent problems with the Urbos 3 trams became evident. Nobody is suggesting that CAF will supply the replacements for the CR4000 fleet. In any case CAF haven’t been alone in suffering problems with welded aluminium structures. From what Gareth has written there’s a lot of water to flow under the bridge before any procurement competition starts.