Croydon tram service receives a boost

Date: 22/8/2011

The regeneration of Croydon continues apace, with Mayor of London Boris Johnson recently signing a contract to roll out six new trams.

From early next year, the new London Tramlink vehicles will be in operation and it is hoped that this will help make a contribution to the restoration of the area following the damage inflicted during the riots earlier in August.

The trams will run on the busiest parts of the line, between Therapia Lane, central Croydon and Elmers End, helping to improve capacity and reduce over-crowding.

Mr Johnson noted that on his recent visit to the borough in the aftermath of the disturbances, he was "deeply moved" by what he saw and also "heartened" by the community's determination not to let the violence leave a permanent mark.

"Our Tramlink team did a great job of restoring tram services to the town centre so rapidly following the disturbances. And we hope the signing of contracts for the six new trams will provide a real boost to services when they begin running early next year," the Mayor explained.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced last week (August 18th) that councils will be able to apply for a proportion of a special new fund should they govern a community that suffered during the riots, with the finance to be put towards the clean-up operation and security.

Posted by Mary Treen