Its time for another edition of “15 Years Apart” as we return to South London.
2553 is the last built of the CR4000 trams which were constructed for Croydon Tramlink by Bombardier in time for the opening of the network in 2000. Originally carrying this red and white fleet livery they also initially had roller destination blinds but by the time of this photo on 12th March 2008, 2553 has received upgrades with electronic displays installed. This is Avenue Road.
15 years later on 29th March 2023 and 2553 is now in the newer fleet livery of green, white and blue. Still with electric destination displays the tram is approaching Beddington Lane with a service running from Wimbledon to Beckenham Junction. (Both Photographs by Gareth Prior)