Mayor answers to London

Croydon Tramlink

Question number	1488/2008
Meeting date	16/07/2008

Question by Valerie Shawcross

Please list the improvements you plan to make within the next two years to Croydon Tranmlink, now you have assumed ownership of this system? Will you be continuing with the extension of Croydon Tramlink to Crystal Palace, and if so, what are the timescales of this project?

Answer by Boris Johnson

Our proposals for the short term are as follows:

· Off peak service enhancements – July 2008 increase services to Beckenham and Elmers End from 2 to 4 trams per hour Monday to Saturday evenings and all day on Sunday.

· Tramstop improvement - deep cleaning and repairing stops, replacing broken and defective equipment, shelters etc, improving signage and information

· Tram improvement – replacing existing seat covers and moquettes with a more durable and comfortable design. Deep cleaning the inside and outside of the vehicles, application of a new livery to improve the worn external appearance (untouched since 1999), improving signage and information on trams.

· Graffiti removal and enhanced system cleaning / litter picking

· Track repairs around central Croydon to replace defective and worn out points and curves

· Enhancements to the security and policing arrangements on Tramlink

· Improvements to the tram wash plant to prevent the build up of limescale deposits on windows etc.

There is currently funding in TfL’s Business Plan up until 2010 to develop the Croydon Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace scheme. This funding includes a more detailed assessment of its traffic, environmental and economic impacts with a view to selecting a preferred route, carrying out a detailed design and public consultation in preparation for seeking the necessary powers for implementation.

Currently, there is no Government funding for implementation. I intend to review the transport, economic and environmental implications of the scheme and form a view on the best way forward. *