Common questions

How were the route options consulted on identified?

We looked at lots of options along the route with the local boroughs and Cross River Partnership, only moving forward with those considered most viable and which we could deliver. We looked particularly at how the tram could support key regeneration sites along the route as well as opportunities for interchanging with Tube, train and bus stations and how well the routes connect local amenities and services.

It is possible that Cross River Tram could subsequently be extended, but that would depend on circumstances in the future. It is also possible that the proposal could be implemented in stages.

Why are you not using the Kingsway tram tunnel?

We have looked into whether we can use the old tram tunnel on Kingsway and concluded that it is not suitable for the Cross River Tram for a number of reasons, including its size and the difficulty in providing step-free access to tram stops below ground.

The tunnel is part of the listed old tramway and we will be working with the London Borough of Camden Council and English Heritage to integrate it into the urban design for the tram route.

Why are you not using Euston Road to get to King's Cross?

We have thoroughly investigated an approach to King's Cross via Euston Road but found that this route has a number of very serious technical problems.

A key issue is that using Euston Road would prevent the King's Cross tram adequately serving Euston station, a key objective due to the large number of passengers predicted to join the service at this stop.

The proximity of the Euston Tube station concourse and tunnel roofs to the surface of Euston Road, and significant utilities such as large gas pips running under the road, means that construction along Euston Road would be difficult and disruptive and would have a very significant cost impact.

The Euston Road is extremely busy and forms the northern boundary of the congestion charging zone, which would create considerable traffic management issues.

Additionally, the plans for the King's Cross redevelopment mean it would be very difficult to achieve a suitable terminus for the tram close to King's Cross and St Pancras stations if approaching from Euston Road.

Overall, we consider the Euston Road option extremely difficult to deliver and it would result in an unsatisfactory operation of the tramway.

Won't a street-running tram cause more congestion?

The Cross River Tram proposal could help to reduce traffic volumes, congestion and emissions on London streets by encouraging more people to use public transport. In Croydon the tram has resulted in a reduction of nearly four million car journeys a year.

Trams will be given priority by running on separate lanes in many locations. We will work with the councils along the route to put in place traffic and environmental management measures to ensure that the tram and other traffic are able to share the roads effectively and, to seek to minimise any detrimental local traffic related impacts and to improve the urban realm.

Once we have established a preferred route we will undertake more detailed traffic modelling to assess how the tram can be carefully integrated with current traffic systems to minimise local impacts.

How will the trams affect other road users and pedestrians?

Once we have identified the preferred route we will be able to advance the more detailed design and impact assessment work. A key part of this work is to identify the most appropriate balance between trams and all other road users, including pedestrians.

There will be further consultation on the scheme and its impacts once the details of the proposed alignment are known.

How is the project being funded?

We estimate the total cost of the Cross River Tram to be approximately £650m at 2006 prices. In line with good practice this estimate includes a substantial contingency sum.

Funding to develop the scheme has been allocated through TfL's Investment Programme. Funding for taking the scheme through the necessary procedures needed to secure a Transport and Works Order construction has yet to be determined. This will be progressed through a TfL review of this and other projects, in the light of Government decisions expected this autumn, on Crossrail and the current spending review 2007.

When will the tram start running?

This is subject to future funding availability to construct the tram. The timetable for securing funding and seeking the necessary powers will follow a review of major projects, in the light of decisions expected this autumn on Crossrail and the current spending review 2007.

More detailed information.

How will Cross River Tram affect existing bus services?

As part of the development of the Cross River Tram plans, we will be reviewing bus services on and around the route. This will ensure bus and tram services integrate effectively and provide improved public transport.

If the review found that improvements could be made by changing bus routes, the usual bus route consultation would be undertaken before any decisions were made.

Why have you chosen a tram network rather than a trolley bus system or improvements to bus and Tube networks?

Before developing the proposal for the Cross River Tram, a range of options were considered including a busway transit and Tube improvements for the Cross River Tram route.

Consultation carried out in 2001 showed that 62% of those interviewed supported the tram as their preferred mode of transport for the route.

Each tram could carry up to 300 people allowing a much higher number of passengers to be carried on fewer vehicles than with other forms of road transport. There will be lots of wide doors, with no steps or gaps, so it will be easy to get on and off. Reducing boarding times will help to make the service reliable and fast.

What is the size and capacity of the tram?

It is too early to say exactly what the tram will look like. However, modern trams are spacious, air-conditioned and run smoothly and quietly.

The trams are likely to be around 40-45 metres in length and able to carry approximately 300 passengers, although this would depend on the exact vehicle which would be subject to a tender and procurement process closer to the tramway becoming operational.