On 10th May 2000 modern trams returned to the streets of London for the first time in almost 48 years with the opening of the then Croydon Tramlink network. Now branded as London Trams the network continues to link Wimbledon to Croydon and out to New Addington, Beckenham Junction and Elmers End, and with 2025 being the 25th anniversary Transport for London are marking the occasion.
Today the network – which is the only modern tram system in the UK not to have had any extension built since opening – carries 17 million passengers a year and is operated by Tram Operations Limited in a contract on behalf of Transport for London who have had responsibility for the trams since 2007.
Trish Ashton, TfL’s Director of Rail and Sponsored Services, said: “The London Trams network has really transformed travel in south London, linking areas together and helping people make the most of this part of the capital. Our competition for free tickets to south London attractions will help people do just that, and in the coming years we’re looking forward to building on our work to make journeys even more comfortable and easy to navigate.”
To mark the 25th anniversary a new eye-catching poster celebrating the occasion will be launched later in May – one of a series of posters which also help to celebrate 25 years of Transport for London. There is also a competition being launched on 23rd May which will allow people to win tickets to local attractions including PLAYBOX London and Croydon restaurant Fern.
Looking ahead and TfL are currently in the process of procuring a new fleet of trams which will replace the remaining 23 Bombardier CR4000 trams (built in 1998-9 and the mainstays of the fleet ever since). This is still subject to the confirmation of funding but any new trams will include multi-use areas, mobile charging points, and real-time travel information. They will also have the latest safety features.