Transport for London (TfL) have set out their ambitious programme for the future to help deliver a vision that encourages public transport, active travel, and supports new homes and jobs with the release of their draft business plan covering the period until 2029/30. This plan isn’t about big announcements of new projects but consolidating TfL’s plans, and will include a fleet of new trams in Croydon as well as progressing the DLR extensions to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.
It has been known for a while that there is a move to introduce a new fleet of trams on the London Trams system with the original Bombardier built CR4000s coming to an end of their operational life. The plan mentions several times that they aim to replace “the ageing fleet of trams” and in the capital expenditure section the amount of money they plan to put towards this is revealed.
It tells us that the following amounts will be committed to the project:
2024/5 – £3m (actual)
2025/6 – £4m
2026/7 – £9m
2027/8 – £29m
2028/9 – £48m
2029/30 – £50m
It also gives more detail, including that they plan to invest in 24 new trams, with the potential to replace all 36 (so including the Stadler Variobahn fleet). The new trams will have better accessibility, air conditioning, real-time travel information and charging points to improve reliability and customer experience.
On the DLR and there are two major projects being progressed, both of which are already fairly high-profile. The first of these is the continued introduction of the new CAF trains, a project which is already behind schedule and has been paused with all trains withdrawn after an issue with the braking on a unit during wet weather.
Again, the amount being committed to this project is revealed:
2024/5 – £196m (actual)
2025/6 – £100m
2026/7 – £120m
2027/8 – £106m
2028/9 – £18m
2029/30 – £0m
There is no mention of when the introduction of these trains will be resumed. The last update was that they had been temporarily withdrawn to allow investigation into the issue.
Also on the DLR, the extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead is on the priority list of projects. This will see an extension from the current Beckton line at Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside before crossing the Thames in a tunnel to Thamesmead. Its aim is to support highly connected, low carbon developments in Thamesmead and Beckton.
In addition, mention is made of the project to upgrade Pontoon Dock station to provide additional capacity helping to unlock thousands of new homes and jobs at Silvertown Quays. Construction should start by August 2026 and be completed by late 2028. It will include six new escalators, a mezzanine level, new landscaping and retail space.
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “Our new Business Plan is an ambitious programme for the future of London’s transport network. We have achieved significant progress on the commitments previously made, and this plan lays out our vision for the transport network.
“This new plan sets out sustained investment in London’s vital transport infrastructure, which will improve the experience for millions of Londoners and visitors. It will see us increase investment in the vital renewal of our critical assets like stations, lifts and escalators, track, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. We will also make more stations step-free, reduce delays on our buses and road network, and continue to improve safety for everyone using our services.
“Our investment will also support the wider London and UK economy, unlocking new homes and jobs through the delivery of new trains and infrastructure, reduced journey times and new innovations. Most importantly – this plan reflects the voices of our customers, businesses and colleagues, who have told us what is most important to them – services that are safe, accessible, frequent, reliable, green and as affordable as possible.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, added: “I’m hugely proud of what we have achieved improving transport across London over the last 10 years – but we must never be complacent, so this plan sets out sustained investment to continue making it safer, greener and fairer for everyone.
“I’m pushing forward with my proposals to transform Oxford Street into a pedestrian-friendly, world-class retail & leisure destination, as well as supporting the delivery of new affordable housing and jobs with the DLR extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, following Government backing in the Autumn Budget. We’re also continuing our work to modernise the Tube, cut congestion and bus journey times, improve safety and accessibility across the transport network, invest in high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure and eliminate death and serious injury from London’s roads.
“We know that investing in our transport network not only supports jobs and economic growth in London but also benefits the whole UK, which is why I’ll continue to make the positive case for longer-term projects that could transform the future of transport in the capital as we continue building a better London for all.”