A £30m investment is set to dramatically increase capacity on the Wimbledon to Croydon branch of the Tramlink.

London Tramlink has ordered four new trams at a cost of £10.2m to deliver a 50 per cent boost in capacity on the Wimbledon to Croydon link, the busiest on the network, by 2016.

The new Stadler trams have been ordered by London Tramlink as part of the Wimbledon Line Enhancement Programme.

The programme will also include the introduction of 800 metres of twin tracking between Mitcham Junction and Beddington Lane and an additional tram platform at Wimbledon station.

Richard Tracey, Conservative London Assembly member for Merton and Wandsworth, said: "This is very good news for the residents of Wimbledon and Mitcham and Morden.

"We have been lobbying Boris and TfL on improvements for some time and I think this shows clearly that he does listen to our concerns about transport for south London residents and in this case particularly the growing numbers who use Tramlink."

Stadler trams are 2.5m longer, air-conditioned and come with low floors to provide better access for passengers.

Work is due to start in early 2014 and will be ready for service in 2015 with the last tram set to be delivered in 2016.

Jonathan Fox, Transport for London’s director of London Rail, said: "This increase from 8 to 12 trams per hour with a 50 per cent rise in capacity on the Wimbledon branch will greatly improve tram frequency, reduce waiting times and increase reliability as well as making for a better passenger experience.

"As London’s population grows this is an important expansion to the tram network, bringing more convenient and efficient tram connections and moving more people around the capital to leisure, education and employment opportunities.

"At the same time, congestion on buses is relieved and car owners are encouraged to leave their vehicles at home, helping to reduce carbon emissions."

Six new Stadler trains were introduced into Croydon’s central tram network in spring 2012.