Tramlink

Tramlink, also known as Croydon Tramlink, is a light rail system serving the London Borough of Croydon and surrounding areas in South London, England. It is owned by Transport for London (TfL) and operated by FirstGroup under contract to TfL.

History: Tramlink began operating in May 2000, becoming the first tram system in London since 1952. The system was developed to improve public transport links and reduce congestion in the Croydon area. It utilized existing railway alignments and new on-street running to create a network connecting Croydon with surrounding towns.

Network: The Tramlink network consists of four main routes, color-coded: Wimbledon to Elmers End, Wimbledon to New Addington, Elmers End to New Addington, and Beckenham Junction to Elmers End. These routes share sections of track and operate with varying frequencies. The network connects with National Rail services at several stations, providing interchange opportunities for passengers.

Infrastructure: Tramlink utilises a fleet of Bombardier CR4000 trams and Stadler Voklo trams. The track gauge is standard gauge. The system incorporates both on-street and off-street sections. Power is supplied via overhead lines at 750V DC. There are 39 tram stops across the network.

Ticketing: Tramlink accepts Oyster cards, contactless payment cards, and paper tickets. Passengers are required to touch in at the start of their journey and touch out at the end.

Future Developments: Plans for extending the Tramlink network have been proposed over the years, including potential connections to Sutton and Crystal Palace. However, these proposals have faced challenges related to funding and feasibility. Regular maintenance and upgrades are conducted to maintain the existing infrastructure and improve service reliability.