24 new and improved trams are set to replace the oldest London Trams, once TfL settles on a manufacturer.
Transport for London (TfL) has extended an invite for pre-qualified manufacturers to build a new fleet of trams.
These new trams will provide customers with a more comfortable and reliable service, with new features including mobile charge points and audio and visual real-time travel information.
The trams will also have several improved features such as a redesigned interior and air-conditioning.
The new trams will include a multi-use area that is designated primarily for wheelchair users but is also able to accommodate pushchairs and luggage when not in use.
They will also feature the latest safety features building on improvements already made on the network, as TfL pledges to eliminate deaths and serious injuries across London's transport network as part of TfL’s Vision Zero commitments.
These new trams will start to be introduced in the late 2020s, depending on funding.
The four manufacturers that TfL will choose on are:
• Alstom Transport UK Limited,
• Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A (CAF),
• Hitachi Rail Limited,
• Stadler Rail Valencia S.A.U.
Scott Haxton, TfL’s Director of Capital Delivery Infrastructure, said: "This invitation for tram manufacturers to submit bids for the design and manufacture of the next generation of trams on the London Trams network is a significant next step.
“Subject to funding, these trams will start to enter service in the late 2020s and will provide customers with more comfortable and reliable journeys for many years to come."
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “We welcome this positive news from TfL regarding a proposed new fleet of trams which will help support our borough’s regeneration. An improved and more reliable service will benefit our residents and everyone who visits and works in Croydon, as they commute around the borough for work and leisure.
"Croydon's trams are a vital piece of infrastructure, connecting remote areas to our town centre.
"We look forward to seeing this proposed fleet introduced and hope to see longer-term investment secured for the system, providing improved transport links and a welcome boost to the regeneration of our town centre and our local economy."
The initial contract will be for 24 new trams to replace the oldest trams in the fleet, which have been in use for nearly a quarter of a century.
They are reaching the end of their design life and are becoming less reliable.
There will also be an option to extend the contract to build further trams that could replace the remaining trams introduced from 2012.
The award of the contract to design and build the new trams is subject to securing a suitable funding package.
TfL continues to discuss its capital funding requirements with the Government, including major fleet renewals such as this one.
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