http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/medi...ntre/7741.aspx

17 March 2008

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that it intends to take direct
control of Tramlink services this year.

Tramlink is a vital part of the south London transport network and last
year carried 25 million passengers.

TfL's offer of £98m to acquire Tramtrack Croydon Ltd, the Private
Finance Initiative (PFI) Concession holder which runs Tramlink, was
accepted today.

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: "Bringing Tramlink into the
control of TfL is excellent news for Londoners.

"This will mean we can plan how to make the improvements that are
required to cater for ever increasing numbers of passengers and provide
them with the very best possible services."
Value for money

The current contract requires TfL to make compensation payments to
Tramtrack Croydon Ltd for changes to the fares and ticketing policy
introduced since 1996.

Last year, that payment was £4m, and the rate is increasing annually.

Taking control of Tramtrack Croydon Ltd means that TfL will no longer
have to make those payments and will be able to concentrate on improving
the network.

Peter Hendy, TfL Commissioner, said: "With 88 years remaining on the
Concession Agreement with Tramtrack Croydon Ltd, this deal represents
excellent value for money for London's fare and tax payers.
Improvements

"It will allow us to build on the success of Tramlink to date, and
increase levels of investment in the system to ensure it can keep up
with growing demand, all the while providing a safe, reliable service
for passengers.

"Tramlink should be setting the benchmark for tram services throughout
the UK."

Following completion of the purchase later this year, Tramlink would be
managed by TfL's London Rail directorate, allowing TfL to develop
Tramlink as a key part of the Capital's integrated public transport
network.

There would be no change to the current fares and ticketing arrangements
but improvements have already been proposed that would take effect as
soon as TfL takes control of the network.
More services

Off-peak services between Elmers End and Beckenham Junction would double
from two trams per hour to four on Monday to Saturday evenings and on
Sundays.

TfL would also seek to run additional services to relieve crowding on
the Wimbledon to New Addington line.

Graffiti and vandalism on the system would be targeted, general
maintenance levels would increase and TfL would begin a programme to
refresh tram interiors and stops to improve the environment for
passengers.

In the longer term, TfL is keen to enhance the Tramlink system so that
it can cater for increasing passenger numbers.

An investment programme would be developed which, subject to future
funding commitments, could allow for upgrading or renewal of the network
to ensure that Tramlink provides the best possible public transport
service well into the future.
--
Arthur Figgis Surrey, UK