Back on track: tram services have been seriously curtailed for more than six weeks
Croydon’s tram network is, at last, returning to something resembling a “normal” service, though anyone looking to travel to or from Elmers End will still be disappointed.
Transport for London yesterday issued service updates which included trams running between central Croydon and New Addington, some delays because of a lack of rolling stock and, for the first time in almost a week, no early evening shutdown of the service. It is the first time that anything resembling a normal service along the branch that serves Lloyd Park, Gravel Hill and Addington Village has been provided since March.
Today’s update suggests further improvement, and more available rolling stock, with only “minor delays” on trams running between New Addington and West Croydon.
The official service update page on TfL’s website states: “London Tramlink: No service between Arena and Elmers end due to a shortage of Trams. Minor delays between New Addington and West Croydon. Good service on all other routes.”
TfL been approached for an update on the number of trams in service and when the Elmers End branch service might resume, but no response had been received by the time of publication.
Inside Croydon has previously reported how industry sources are suspicious of the excuses given for the trams being taken out of service because of “damage to wheels caused by debris on the line”.
There were similar service withdrawals in 2023. But then, only half as many trams were affected by the damaged wheels.
Update: TfL’s latest service information includes the word ‘good’
The tram fleet has 22 of the original Bombardier stock which have been trundling along the 17-mile network since it opened in 2000, plus 12 Variobahn trams which were purchased between 2012 and 2015.
TfL has started a tendering process to find replacements for the Bombardier trams, but because of covid and the transport agency’s financial crisis, it is at least a year or two behind schedule in conducting this multi-million-pound purchase.
TfL’s advice is for anyone wanting to travel in the area to check before they travel, consider alternative routes and to allow more time to complete their journeys.
From May 2024: Two-thirds of tram fleet out of service due to wheel damage
From June 2023: 20% of Croydon’s tram fleet suffered damage to their wheels
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