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The race is on to design a new tram for London.
London's current fleet of trams — which run between Beckenham and Wimbledon, via Croydon — is increasingly unreliable and in need of replacement. The oldest of these trams will be phased out from the end of this decade, beginning with the introduction of 24 brand new trams.
Now, TfL has announced the four companies it is considering to commission to build these trams, namely Alstom Transport UK Limited, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A (CAF), Hitachi Rail Limited and Stadler Rail Valencia S.A.U.
Three of the companies already have experience designing transport for London. Alstom has produced a number of tube trains, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles made the (long-awaited and still not here) 'tram-bus', and Hitachi built the Class 395 'Javelin' trains that run from St Pancras.
Although detailed designs for the new trams have not yet been put forward, we already know we can expect certain features, including air conditioning, mobile charge points and real-time travel information. The trams will also feature a 'multi-use area' designated primarily for wheelchair users, also able to accommodate pushchairs and luggage.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: "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."
London ditched its trams in the early 1950s, but since then, people have realised just what a boon they are. Trams returned to south London in 2000, although reinstalling them in other parts of the city would prove a headache due to the various pipes and wires that've since been fitted beneath the streets.
