Go to: Main Content Go to: Navigation

History

Tram passing Trams have been fully operational in Croydon since May 2000. Trams are not new to Croydon. There was an old London tram service that used to run through the town along the A23.

The trams continued until 1951 when the network was closed to make room for more buses and cars.

It wasn't until 1986 - following a study - that the re-introduction of the tram was seriously considered. Central Croydon had seen huge increases in motor traffic and the New Addington area had been highlighted as having poor public transport.

In 1990 Croydon Council and London Transport (LT) began working together to promote the Tramlink project. A public consultation in 1991 showed considerable support for the project.

In November 1991 the Croydon Tramlink Bill received Royal Assent on 21 July 1994, allowing London Regional Transport (LRT) to start work on Tramlink.

Croydon Council, LT and three private companies worked together to begin design. This group was disbanded in 1995 when Tramlink went out to tender across Europe. As with many new schemes, the contract available was a Design, Build, Finance and Operate Concession. The successful consortium, Tramtrack Croydon Limited (TCL)now has a 99 year concession to run the system.

The Tramlink system opened in 1997. Trams have been fully operational in Croydon since May 2000.