View source for Tramlink

{{Short description|Light rail tram system in South London}}
{{About|a tramway which opened in 2000|trams operating 1900–1933|Croydon Corporation Tramways|the tram model by Stadler|Stadler Tramlink}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox Public transit
| name = Tramlink
| image = Trams roundel.svg
| imagesize = 150px
| image2 = Variobahn and CR4000 at Sandilands.jpg
| imagesize2 = 300px
| caption2 = Variobahn and CR4000 trams at Sandilands tram stop
| image3 = Tramlink map 2017.png
| imagesize3 = 300px
| caption3 = System diagram
| locale = [[South London]]
| area served = London Boroughs of {{cslist|[[London Borough of Croydon|Croydon]]|[[London Borough of Merton|Merton]]|[[London Borough of Sutton|Sutton]]|[[London Borough of Bromley|Bromley]]|oxford=true}}
| transit_type = [[Light rail]] using [[tram]]s
| stations = 39
| ridership = 
| annual_ridership = 17.2 million (2024–25)<ref name="dft">{{cite web |title=Light rail and tram statistics, England: year ending March 2025 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-england-year-ending-march-2025/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-england-year-ending-march-2025 |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=5 November 2025}}</ref> {{decrease}} 14%
| began_operation = {{Start date and age|2000|05|10|df=yes}}
| owner = [[Transport for London]]
| operator = [[TfL]]
| vehicles = {{plainlist|
* 23 [[Bombardier CR4000]]
* 12 [[Stadler Variobahn#Variobahn trams for Croydon Tramlink|Stadler Variobahn]]
}}
| train_length = 
| system_length = {{cvt|28|km}}
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
| el = {{750 V DC|conductor=overhead}}
| minimum_radius_of_curvature = 
| top_speed = {{cvt|80|km/h}}
| map_name = 
| map = {{Tramlink RDT|inline=1}}
| map_state = collapsed
| website = {{Official URL}}
}}
'''Tramlink''', previously '''Croydon Tramlink''' and currently branded as '''London Trams''', is a [[light rail]] [[tram]] system serving [[Croydon]] and surrounding areas in [[South London]], England. It is the first operational tram system serving the London region since 1952. Tramlink is presently managed by London Trams, a public body part of [[Transport for London]] (TfL), and has been operated by [[FirstGroup]] since 2017. It is one of two light rail networks in [[Greater London]], the other being the [[Docklands Light Railway]]. Tramlink is the fourth-busiest light rail network in the UK behind the [[Docklands Light Railway]], [[Manchester Metrolink]] and [[Tyne and Wear Metro]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/720315/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-england-2018.pdf |title = Light Rail and Tram Statistics, England: 2017/18 |publisher = Department for Transport |language = en-GB}}</ref>

Studies for the delivery of a modern-day tram system in Croydon began in the 1960s and detailed planning was performed in the 1980s. Approval of the scheme was received in 1990 and, following a competitive [[invitation to tender|tender]] process, construction and initial operation of the tramway was undertaken by ''Tramtrack Croydon'' (TC) via a 99-year [[Private Finance Initiative]] (PFI) contract. The official opening of Tramlink took place on 10 May 2000; by the end of the year three routes were operational. The network consists of 39 stops along {{convert|28|km|0|abbr=on}} of track,<ref name = "tfl whatwedo">{{cite web |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/what-we-do/london-trams?intcmp=2647 |title=London Trams |publisher=Transport for London |access-date=9 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108184124/https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/what-we-do/london-trams?intcmp=2647 |archive-date=8 November 2016 |language = en-GB}}</ref> on a mixture of street track shared with other traffic, dedicated track in public roads, and off-street track consisting of new rights-of-way, former railway lines, and one right-of-way where the Tramlink track runs parallel to a [[third rail]]-electrified [[Network Rail]] line. The network's lines coincide in central Croydon, with eastern termini at [[Beckenham Junction]], [[Elmers End station|Elmers End]] and [[New Addington tram stop|New Addington]], and a western terminus at [[Wimbledon station|Wimbledon]], where there is an interchange for [[London Underground]].

Since its original opening, the tram network has been expanded and additional [[rolling stock]] has been purchased. During 2008, TfL took over Tramlink operations, ending the PFI and making the company a subsidiary of TfL. Additional rolling stock was introduced during the early 2010s. Furthermore, numerous extensions to the network have been discussed, the most recent of which is the [[Sutton Link]], an extension to connect [[Sutton, London|Sutton]] to [[Colliers Wood tube station|Colliers Wood]]. Sutton Link was paused in 2020 until funding can be secured. In the 2020s, TfL began work to order new trams for the system.

==History==
===Inception===
In the first half of the 20th century, Croydon had many tramlines. However, these were all closed, the first was the [[Addiscombe]] – [[East Croydon station]] route through George Street to Cherry Orchard Road in 1927 and the last to close was the [[Purley, London|Purley]] - [[Embankment tube station|Embankment]] and Croydon (Coombe Road) - [[Thornton Heath]] routes closed in April 1951. However, in the Spring of 1950, the Highways Committee were presented by the Mayor with the concept of running trams between East Croydon station and the new estate being constructed at [[New Addington]]. This was based on the fact that the Feltham cars used in Croydon were going to Leeds to serve their new estates on reserved tracks. During 1962, a private study with assistance from BR engineers, showed how easy it was to convert the West Croydon - Wimbledon train service to tram operation and successfully prevent conflict between trams and trains.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}

These two concepts became joined in joint LRTL/TLRS concept of New Addington to Wimbledon every 15 minutes via East and West Croydon and Mitcham plus New Addington to Tattenham Corner every 15 minutes via East and West Croydon, Sutton and Epsom Downs. A branch into Forestdale to give an overlap service from Sutton was also included. During the 1970s, several BR directors and up-and-coming managers were aware of the advantages. Chris Green, upon becoming managing director, Network South East, published his plans in 1987 expanding the concept to take in the Tattenham Corner and Caterham branches and provide a service from Croydon to Lewisham via Addiscombe and Hayes. Following on from the opening of the DLR a small group working under Tony Ridley, then managing director, London Transport, investigated the potential for further light rail in London. The report 'Light Rail for London', written by engineer David Catling and Transport Planner Jon Willis, looked at a number of possible schemes including conversion of the East London Line. However a light rail network focussed on Croydon, with the conversion of existing heavy rail routes, was the most promising. The London Borough of Croydon wanted to improve access to the town centre without further road building and also improve access to the LCC built New Addington estate. Furthermore, road traffic in Croydon expanded considerably during the 1980s and planners were keen to apply public transit to fulfil the recorded growth in demand in the area.<ref name = "tfl tramhistory"/> The project was developed by a small team in LT, headed by Scott McIntosh and in Croydon by Jill Lucas.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

The scheme was accepted in principle in February 1990 by [[Croydon Council]] who worked with what was then [[London Regional Transport]] (LRT) to propose Tramlink to Parliament. The Croydon Tramlink Act 1994 resulted, which gave LRT the power to build and run Tramlink.<ref name=tramlinkact>{{Cite web |title = Croydon Tramlink Act |year = 1994 |url = http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/localact1994/ukla_19940011_en_2#pt1-l1g4 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121026062753/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1994/11/contents/enacted#pt1-l1g4 |archive-date = 26 October 2012 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name = "tfl tramhistory"/>

===Construction===
Both the delivery and operation of the tramway was accomplished via a competitive [[invitation to tender|tender]] process.<ref name = "tfl tramhistory"/> During November 1995, it was announced that four [[consortia]] were shortlisted to build, operate and maintain Tramlink:<ref>{{cite magazine |title = Light rail shortlist |magazine = [[Railway Gazette International]] |date = November 1995 |page = 715 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
* Altram: [[John Laing Group|John Laing]], [[Hitachi Rail Italy|Ansaldo]], [[Serco]]
* Croydon Connect: [[Tarmac Group|Tarmac]], [[AEG (German company)|AEG]], [[Transdev (historic)|Transdev]]
* CT Light Rail Group: [[GEC Alsthom]], [[Mowlem]], [[Welsh Water]]
* Tramtrack Croydon: [[FirstGroup|CentreWest]], [[Royal Bank of Scotland]], [[Sir Robert McAlpine]], [[Amey plc|Amey]], [[Bombardier Transportation]]

In May 1996, Tramtrack Croydon (TC) was awarded a 99-year [[Private Finance Initiative]] (PFI) contract to design, build, operate and maintain Tramlink. The equity partners in TC were [[Amey plc|Amey]] (50%), [[Royal Bank of Scotland]] (20%), [[3i]] (20%) and [[Sir Robert McAlpine]] with [[Bombardier Transportation]] contracted to build and maintain the trams and [[FirstGroup]] operate the service.<ref name=":2">{{cite press release |title=Tram concession award provides boost for South London |date=25 November 1996 |publisher=London Transport |location= |url=https://www.railhub2.co.uk/rh7/archive/arc_article.php?doc=1996-11-25%20LRT-001 |last= |first= |access-date=2024-10-02 |agency=}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title = Preferred bidder selected for Croydon tram project |magazine = [[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue = 279 |date = 22 May 1996 |page = 15 |language = en-GB}}</ref> TC retained the revenue generated by Tramlink and LRT had to pay compensation to TC for any changes to the fares and ticketing policy introduced later.<ref name="tfln7741" /> The concession agreement with TC was signed in November 1996, allowing construction to begin.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/25-november-1996-operating-agreement-between-tram-operations-limited-and-tramtrack-croydon-limited |title = 25 November 1996 Operating Agreement between Tram Operations Limited and Tramtrack Croydon Limited |website = london.gov.uk |access-date = 13 May 2024}}</ref>

Construction work started in January 1997, with an expected opening in November 1999. The first tram was delivered in October 1998 to the new depot at Therapia Lane and testing on the sections of the Wimbledon line began shortly afterwards.<ref name=tl>{{cite web |url=http://www.croydon-tramlink.co.uk/info/history.shtml |title=The Makings of Croydon Tramlink |website = croydon-tramlink.co.uk |access-date=6 May 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Part of its track is the original route of the [[Surrey Iron Railway]] that opened in 1803.<ref>{{Cite book |last= Wolmar |first= Christian |authorlink= Christian Wolmar |year= 2007 |title= Fire & Steam: A New History of the Railways in Britain |location= London |publisher= Atlantic Books |isbn= 978-1-843-54629-0 |language = en-GB}} See p.&nbsp;7 and note&nbsp;11 on p.&nbsp;319.</ref>

===Opening===
The official opening of Tramlink took place on 10 May 2000 when route 3 from Croydon to [[New Addington]] opened to the public. Route 2 from Croydon to [[Beckenham Junction]] followed on 23 May 2000, and route 1 from [[Elmers End]] to [[Wimbledon, London|Wimbledon]] opened a week later on 30 May 2000.<ref name=tl/><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/6406828.Trams_link_hope_is_back_on_track/ |title = Trams link hope is back on track |website = newsshopper.co.uk |first = Mithran |last = Samuel |date = 20 July 2001 |language = en-GB}}</ref> It was the first modern tram project in London, with [[low-floor tram]]s and low platforms allowing accessibility for all.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-09-29 |title=Tram-endous london links |url=https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/6455040.tram-endous-london-links/ |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=News Shopper |language=en |quote=The fact that the system is already fully accessible to disabled people and is a reliable service means more passengers will benefit.}}</ref> The new trams were numbered from 2530, following on from the last of the old trams withdrawn in the early 1950s.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=Sheila |title=The Moving Metropolis |date=2001 |publisher=Lawrence King Publishing |location=London |isbn=1-85669-326-0 |page=373}}</ref>

===Buyout by Transport for London===
In March 2008, TfL announced that it had reached agreement to buy TC for £98{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite magazine |title = TfL to take over Tramlink |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 77 |date = May 2008 |page = 24 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The purchase was finalised on 28 June 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/annual-report-and-statement-of-accounts-2008-09.pdf |title = AnnualAccounts for year ended 31 March 2008 |publisher = Transport for London |page = 158 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The background to this purchase relates to the requirement that TfL (who took over from London Regional Transport in 2000) compensates TC for the consequences of any changes to the fares and ticketing policy introduced since 1996. In 2007, that payment was £4{{nbsp}}million, with an annual increase in rate.<ref name=tfln7741>{{Cite press release |url= https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2008/march/tfl-announces-plans-to-take-over-tramlink-services |title=TfL announces plans to take over Tramlink services |access-date=18 March 2008 |date=17 March 2008 |publisher=Transport for London |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080412011803/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/7741.aspx |archive-date=12 April 2008 |url-status=live |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title = Croydon buy out |magazine = Railway Gazette International |date = April 2008 |page = 212 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Despite this change, FirstGroup continues to operate the service.

During October 2008, TfL introduced a new livery, using the blue, white and green of the routes on TfL maps, to distinguish the trams from buses operating in the area. The colour of the cars was changed to green, and the brand name was changed from Croydon Tramlink to simply Tramlink.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/latestnews/s-green-Tramlink/article-385546-detail/article.html |title=It's green for go at Tramlink |last=Kottegoda |first=Maheesha |date=9 October 2008 |work=Croydon Advertiser |access-date=10 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009215248/http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/latestnews/s-green-Tramlink/article-385546-detail/article.html |archive-date=9 October 2008 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.mylondon.news/news/nostalgia/gallery/brilliant-pictures-croydons-forgotten-red-23415470 |title = Brilliant pictures of Croydon's forgotten red trams that vanished 14 years ago |first = Bea |last = Isaacson |date = 17 March 2022 |website = mylondon.news |language = en-GB}}</ref> The rebranding work was completed in early 2009.

===Additional stop and trams===
[[Centrale tram stop]], in Tamworth Road on the one-way central loop, opened on 10 December 2005,<ref name=":0" /> increasing journey times slightly. As turnround times were already quite tight, this raised the issue of buying an extra tram to maintain punctuality. Partly for this reason, but also to take into account the planned restructuring of services, (subsequently introduced in July 2006), TfL issued tenders for a new tram.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Croydon town centre : Routes : Croydon Tramlink : TheTrams.co.uk |url=https://www.thetrams.co.uk/croydon/croydon/ |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=www.thetrams.co.uk}}</ref> However, nothing resulted from this.

In January 2011, TfL opened a tender for the supply of ten new or second-hand trams from the end of summer 2011, for use between Therapia Lane and Elmers End.<ref name=rgltsbfat>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/london-tramlink-seeks-bids-for-additional-trams.html |title=London Tramlink seeks bids for additional trams |date=31 January 2011 |magazine= Railway Gazette International |location= London |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121102131738/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/london-tramlink-seeks-bids-for-additional-trams.html |archive-date=2 November 2012 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title = New Trams for Croydon |magazine = Rail |issue = 663 |date = 9 February 2011 |page = 16 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name=rgi20110818/> On 18 August 2011, TfL announced that [[Stadler Rail]] had won a £16.3{{nbsp}}million contract to supply six [[Variobahn]] trams similar to those used by [[Bybanen]] in [[Bergen]], Norway.<ref name=rgi20110818>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/stadler-wins-london-tramlink-tram-order.html |title=Stadler wins London Tramlink tram order |date=18 August 2011 |magazine= Railway Gazette International |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110917051215/http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/stadler-wins-london-tramlink-tram-order.html |archive-date=17 September 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref> They entered service in 2012.<ref name=RailwayGazette21Aug13>{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/london-tramlink-orders-more-stadler-trams.html |title = London Tramlink orders more Stadler trams |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103134936/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/london-tramlink-orders-more-stadler-trams.html |archive-date=3 January 2017 |publisher = Railway Gazette International |date = 21 August 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> 
In August 2013, TfL ordered an additional four Variobahn trams for delivery in 2015, for use on the Wimbledon to Croydon link, an order later increased to six. This brought the total Variobahn fleet up to ten in 2015,<ref name=RailwayGazette21Aug13/><ref name=TfLWimbledonNewTrams>{{cite press release |title=London Tramlink orders four new trams for Wimbledon branch |url= http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/28456.aspx |publisher=Transport for London |date=30 August 2013 |access-date=1 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130901205013/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/28456.aspx |archive-date=1 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> and 12 in 2016 when the final two trams were delivered.<ref name=BTO/>

==Current network==
===Stops===
[[File:Croydon Tramlink Addiscombe Road.jpg|thumb|right|Tram 2530 leaving Croydon on an [[Elmers End station|Elmers End]] service in 2007]]
There are 39 stops, with 38 opened in the initial phase, and [[Centrale tram stop]] added on 10 December 2005.<ref name=":0" /> Most stops are {{convert|32.2|m|abbr=on|ftin}} long. The tram stops have low platforms, {{convert|35|cm|abbr=on}} above rail level, virtually level with the doors. This level access from platform to tram allows [[wheelchair]]s, [[Baby transport#Wheeled devices|prams]], [[Baby transport#Wheeled devices|pushchairs]] and the elderly to board easily with no steps.<ref name=":33">{{Cite book |last=Michael. |first=Steward |title=Tramlink : official handbook |date=2000 |publisher=Capital Transport |isbn=1-85414-222-4 |oclc=48533869}}</ref> In street sections, the stop is integrated with the pavement.<ref name=":33" /> All platforms are all wider than {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":33" /> Tramlink uses some former main-line stations on the Wimbledon–West Croydon and Elmers End–Coombe Lane stretches of line. The railway platforms have been demolished and rebuilt to Tramlink specifications, except at Elmers End and Wimbledon where the track level was raised to meet the higher main-line platforms to enable [[cross-platform interchange]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

Stops are unstaffed and had automated ticket machines that are no longer in use due to TfL making trams cashless. In general, access between the platforms involves crossing the tracks by pedestrian level crossing.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} Stops also feature CCTV, a Passenger Help Point, a Passenger Information Display (PID), litter bins, a noticeboard and lamp-posts, and most also have seats and a shelter.<ref name=":33" /> The PIDs display the destinations and expected arrival times of the next three trams. They can also display any message the controllers want to display, such as information on delays or even safety instructions for vandals to stop putting rubbish or other objects onto the track.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

===Routes===
[[File:Tramlink Route 2 at Beckenham Junction.jpg|thumb|Tram 2545 in original livery at [[Beckenham Junction]] in 2001]]
[[File:Tramlink-Tram2536-03.jpg|thumb|Tram 2536 in the second livery at [[Morden Road tram stop|Morden Road]], heading towards Wimbledon in 2006]]
[[File:Tram at Reeves Corner, Croydon - geograph.org.uk - 1238898.jpg|thumb|A tram leaving Croydon towards Wimbledon, going past [[Reeves Corner]] in 2009]]
[[File:Au Morandarte Flickr Tramlink 2558 on Route 1, East Croydon (9756077682).jpg|thumb|Tram 2558 at [[East Croydon]] in 2013]]

Tramlink has been shown on the principal [[tube map]] since 1 June 2016, having previously appeared only on the [[Tube map#Official versions of the Tube map|"London Connections" map]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

When Tramlink first opened it had three routes: Line 1 (yellow) from [[Wimbledon station|Wimbledon]] to [[Elmers End station|Elmers End]], Line 2 (red) from Croydon to [[Beckenham Junction]], and Line 3 (green) from Croydon to [[New Addington tram stop|New Addington]].<ref name="Tramlink p 10">''Tramlink: Your top 10 questions answered…'' Poster, 1995.</ref> On 23 July 2006, the network was restructured, with Route 1 from Elmers End to Croydon, Route 2 from Beckenham Junction to Croydon and Route 3 from New Addington to Wimbledon. On 25 June 2012, Route 4 from Therapia Lane to Elmers End was introduced. On 4 April 2016, Route 4 was extended from Therapia Lane to Wimbledon.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Transport for London]] |title=Tram-endous boost for travellers |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/news-articles/tram-endous-boost-for-travellers|date=4 April 2016 |access-date=19 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513142204/https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/news-articles/tram-endous-boost-for-travellers |archive-date=13 May 2016 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

On 25 February 2018, the network and timetables were restructured again for more even and reliable services. As part of this change, trams would no longer display route numbers on their dot matrix destination screens.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/trams/new-tram-service-pattern-and-timetable?intcmp=50562&home=banner |title= New tram service pattern & timetable |author= Transport for London |website= tfl.gov.uk |access-date= 9 May 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032231/https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/trams/new-tram-service-pattern-and-timetable?intcmp=50562&home=banner |archive-date= 26 February 2018 |language = en-GB}}</ref> This resulted in three routes:
* New Addington to West Croydon, returning to New Addington every 7–8 minutes (every 10 minutes on Sunday shopping hours and every 15 minutes at late evenings).
* Wimbledon to Beckenham Junction every 10 minutes (every 15 minutes on Sundays and late evening)
* Wimbledon to Elmers End every 10 minutes (every 15 minutes on Sundays and terminates at Croydon in late evening every 15 minutes)

Additionally, the first two trams from New Addington will run to Wimbledon. Overall, this would result in a decrease in 2tph leaving Elmers End, resulting in a 25% decrease in capacity here, and 14% in the Addiscombe area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://insidecroydon.com/2017/10/14/even-westfield-now-agree-theres-no-need-for-28m-tram-loop/ |title=Even Westfield now agree there's no need for £28m tram loop |date=14 October 2017 |website=insidecroydon.com |access-date=9 May 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219161934/https://insidecroydon.com/2017/10/14/even-westfield-now-agree-theres-no-need-for-28m-tram-loop/ |archive-date=19 December 2017 |language = en-GB}}</ref> However, this would also regulate waiting times in this area and on the Wimbledon branch to every five minutes, from every two–seven minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/news/15688614.Changes_coming_to_tram_timetable__Here_s_what_you_need_to_know/|title=Changes coming to tram timetable: Here's what you need to know |publisher=Croydon Guardian |date=28 November 2017 |access-date=9 May 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206074505/http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/news/15688614.Changes_coming_to_tram_timetable__Here_s_what_you_need_to_know/ |archive-date=6 December 2017 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

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{| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
!  style="background:#{{rcr|Tramlink|Elmers End}}; color:black;" <!-- color for [[MOS:CONTRAST]] -->|Wimbledon to Elmers End
|-
<!-- Elmers End -->
|valign="top" |
* ''Terminus:'' [[Elmers End station|Elmers End]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}}
* [[Arena (Croydon) tram stop|Arena]]
* [[Woodside tram stop|Woodside]]
* [[Blackhorse Lane tram stop|Blackhorse Lane]]
* [[Addiscombe tram stop|Addiscombe]]
* [[Sandilands tram stop|Sandilands]]
* [[Lebanon Road tram stop|Lebanon Road]]
* [[East Croydon]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} <br />{{rail-interchange|air}} Trains to [[Gatwick Airport railway station|Gatwick]] and [[Luton Airport Parkway railway station|Luton]]
* George Street
* [[Church Street tram stop|Church Street]]
* [[Wandle Park tram stop|Wandle Park]]
* [[Waddon Marsh tram stop|Waddon Marsh]] ''(for [[Purley Way]] retail parks)''
* [[Ampere Way tram stop|Ampere Way]] ''(for Valley Park retail park)''
* [[Therapia Lane]]
* [[Beddington Lane tram stop|Beddington Lane]]
* [[Mitcham Junction]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}}
* [[Mitcham tram stop|Mitcham]]
* [[Belgrave Walk tram stop|Belgrave Walk]]
* [[Phipps Bridge tram stop|Phipps Bridge]]
* [[Morden Road tram stop|Morden Road]]
* [[Merton Park tram stop|Merton Park]]
* [[Dundonald Road tram stop|Dundonald Road]]
* [[Wimbledon station|Wimbledon]] {{rail-interchange|london|underground}} {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}}
''Then back to Wandle Park''
* [[Reeves Corner tram stop|Reeves Corner]]
* [[Centrale tram stop|Centrale]]
* [[West Croydon station|West Croydon]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{rail-interchange|london|overground}}
* [[Wellesley Road tram stop|Wellesley Road]]
''Then to East Croydon and back to Elmers End&nbsp;''
|}

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{| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
!  style="background:#{{rcr|Tramlink|Beckenham Junction}}; color:black;" <!-- color for [[MOS:CONTRAST]] -->|Wimbledon to Beckenham Junction
|-
<!-- Beckenham Junction -->
|valign="top" |
* ''Terminus:'' [[Beckenham Junction]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}}
* [[Beckenham Road tram stop|Beckenham Road]]
* [[Avenue Road tram stop|Avenue Road]]
* [[Birkbeck station|Birkbeck]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}}
* [[Harrington Road]]
* [[Arena (Croydon) tram stop|Arena]]
* [[Woodside tram stop|Woodside]]
* [[Blackhorse Lane tram stop|Blackhorse Lane]]
* [[Addiscombe tram stop|Addiscombe]]
* [[Sandilands tram stop|Sandilands]]
* [[Lebanon Road tram stop|Lebanon Road]]
* [[East Croydon]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} <br />{{rail-interchange|air}} Trains to [[Gatwick Airport railway station|Gatwick]] and [[Luton Airport Parkway railway station|Luton]]
* George Street
* [[Church Street tram stop|Church Street]]
* [[Wandle Park tram stop|Wandle Park]]
* [[Waddon Marsh tram stop|Waddon Marsh]] ''(for [[Purley Way]] retail parks)''
* [[Ampere Way tram stop|Ampere Way]] ''(for Valley Park retail park)''
* [[Therapia Lane]]
* [[Beddington Lane tram stop|Beddington Lane]]
* [[Mitcham Junction]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}}
* [[Mitcham tram stop|Mitcham]]
* [[Belgrave Walk tram stop|Belgrave Walk]]
* [[Phipps Bridge tram stop|Phipps Bridge]]
* [[Morden Road tram stop|Morden Road]]
* [[Merton Park tram stop|Merton Park]]
* [[Dundonald Road tram stop|Dundonald Road]]
* [[Wimbledon station|Wimbledon]] {{rail-interchange|london|underground}} {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}}
''Then back to Wandle Park''
* [[Reeves Corner tram stop|Reeves Corner]]
* [[Centrale tram stop|Centrale]]
* [[West Croydon station|West Croydon]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{rail-interchange|london|overground}}
* [[Wellesley Road tram stop|Wellesley Road]]
''Then to East Croydon and back to Beckenham Junction&nbsp;''
|}
{{col-break}}
{| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
!  style="background:#{{rcr|Tramlink|West Croydon}}; color:black;" <!-- color for [[MOS:CONTRAST]] -->|New Addington to West Croydon
|-
<!-- New Addington -->
|valign="top" |
* ''Terminus:'' [[New Addington tram stop|New Addington]]
* [[King Henry's Drive tram stop|King Henry's Drive]]
* [[Fieldway tram stop|Fieldway]]
* [[Addington Village tram stop|Addington Village]]
* [[Gravel Hill tram stop|Gravel Hill]]
* [[Coombe Lane tram stop|Coombe Lane]]
* [[Lloyd Park tram stop|Lloyd Park]]
* [[Sandilands tram stop|Sandilands]]
* [[Lebanon Road tram stop|Lebanon Road]]
* [[East Croydon]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} <br />{{rail-interchange|air}} Trains to [[Gatwick Airport railway station|Gatwick]] and [[Luton Airport Parkway railway station|Luton]]
* George Street
* [[Church Street tram stop|Church Street]]
* [[Centrale tram stop|Centrale]]
* [[West Croydon station|West Croydon]] {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{rail-interchange|london|overground}}
* [[Wellesley Road tram stop|Wellesley Road]]
''Then to East Croydon and back to New Addington&nbsp;''
|}
{{col-end}}

===Former lines reused===
[[File:028140 tramlink mitcham.jpg|thumb|right|[[Gauntlet track|Interlaced track]] near Mitcham]]
Tramlink makes use of a number of [[National Rail]] lines, running parallel to franchised services, or in some cases, runs on previously abandoned railway corridors. Between [[Birkbeck station|Birkbeck]] and [[Beckenham Junction]], Tramlink uses the [[Crystal Palace line]], running on a single track alongside the track carrying [[Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway)|Southern]] rail services. The [[National Rail]] track had been singled some years earlier, although the track placement had to be altered, especially at Birkbeck where the railway platform in use was to be taken by the trams and the old down platform had to be brought back into use.<ref name=":0"> 
{{Cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/croydon/ |title=Croydon Tramlink |access-date=16 December 2013 |publisher=railway-technology.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222173800/http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/croydon/ |archive-date=22 February 2014 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

From [[Elmers End railway station|Elmers End]] to [[Woodside railway station (London)|Woodside]], Tramlink follows the former [[Addiscombe Line]]. At Woodside, the old station buildings stand disused, and the original platforms have been replaced by accessible low platforms. Tramlink then follows the former [[Woodside and South Croydon Railway]] (W&SCR) to reach the current [[Addiscombe tram stop]], adjacent to the site of the demolished [[Bingham Road railway station]]. It continues along the former railway route to near Sandilands, where Tramlink curves sharply towards Sandilands tram stop. Another route from Sandilands tram stop curves sharply on to the W&SCR before passing through Park Hill (or Sandilands) tunnels and to the site of [[Coombe Road railway station|Coombe Road station]] after which it curves away across [[Lloyd Park (Croydon)|Lloyd Park]].{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

Between [[Wimbledon station]] and [[Wandle Park tram stop|Wandle Park]], Tramlink follows the former [[West Croydon to Wimbledon Line]], which was first opened in 1855 and closed on 31 May 1997 to allow for conversion into Tramlink.<ref>{{cite magazine |year=2002 |magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]] |volume=148 |page=51 |issn=0033-8923 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Within this section, from near Phipps Bridge to near Reeves Corner, Tramlink follows the [[Surrey Iron Railway]], giving Tramlink a claim to one of the world's oldest railway alignments. Beyond Wandle Park, a Victorian footbridge beside Waddon New Road was dismantled to make way for the flyover<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.transport-of-delight.com/Tramlink/Pages/TramsinAction/Flyover-1.htm |title=Flyover 1 |publisher=Transport-of-delight.com |access-date=9 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514094243/http://www.transport-of-delight.com/Tramlink/Pages/TramsinAction/Flyover-1.htm |archive-date=14 May 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref> over the West Croydon to [[Sutton railway station (London)|Sutton]] railway line. The footbridge has been re-erected at [[Corfe Castle station]] on the [[Swanage Railway]] (although some evidence suggests that this was a similar footbridge removed from the site of [[Merton Park railway station]]).<ref>{{cite web |last=Wright |first=Andrew |title=Prestigious national award plaque installed at Corfe Castle on 26th October 2008 |url=http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news482.htm |publisher=Swanage Railway |access-date=31 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927222352/http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news482.htm |archive-date=27 September 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wright |first=Andrew |title=Ex-Strategic Rail Authority Chairman officially opens Corfe Castle's historic Victorian railway footbridge on 28th April 2007 |url=http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news363.htm |publisher=Swanage Railway |access-date=31 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927223311/http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news363.htm |archive-date=27 September 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

===Feeder buses===
Bus routes T31, T32 and T33 used to connect with Tramlink at the New Addington, Fieldway and Addington Village stops. T31 and T32 no longer run, and T33 has been renumbered as [[London Buses route 433|433]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/new-addington/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190414111540/https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/new-addington/ |archive-date=2019-04-14 |title = Proposed changes to bus services in New Addington and Forestdale |publisher = Transport for London |date = June 2015 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

===Onboard announcements===
The onboard announcements are by [[BBC News]] reader (and tram enthusiast) [[Nicholas Owen (journalist)|Nicholas Owen]]. The announcement pattern is as follows: e.g. "This tram is for Wimbledon; the next stop will be Merton Park".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/next-stop-east-croydon-voice-16436186 |title='Next stop East Croydon' - the voice behind London's tram network explained |last=Truelove |first=Sam |publisher=[[MyLondon]] |date=16 June 2019 |access-date=8 July 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
===Current fleet===
Tramlink currently uses 35 trams. In summary:<ref name=BTO>{{Cite web |url=http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/croydon.html |title=London Tramlink |date=16 October 2016 |publisher=British Trams Online / Gareth Prior |access-date=10 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114131432/http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/croydon.html |archive-date=14 November 2016 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/london-tramlink-prepares-to-put-new-trams-into-service.html |title=London Tramlink prepares to put new trams into service |date=15 February 2012 |magazine=[[Railway Gazette International]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217033526/http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/london-tramlink-prepares-to-put-new-trams-into-service.html |archive-date=17 February 2012 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" style="background:#f9f9f9" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! colspan="2" |&nbsp;Top speed&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |Length<br />metres
! colspan="3" |&nbsp;Capacity&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |Number built
! rowspan="2" |Number in service
! rowspan="2" |Fleet<br />numbers
! rowspan="2" |Routes<br />operated
! rowspan="2" |Built
! rowspan="2" |Years<br />operated
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!&nbsp;mph&nbsp;
!&nbsp;km/h&nbsp;
!<abbr title="Seated">Std</abbr>
!<abbr title="Standing">Sdg</abbr>
!Total
|-
|[[Bombardier CR4000]]
|[[File:-2021-02-08 Tram approaching the Sandilands stop, Croydon.jpg|90px]]
|rowspan=3|[[Tram]]
|rowspan=3|50
|rowspan=3|80
|30.1
|70
|138
|208
|24
|23
|2530-2553
|rowspan=3|All lines
|1998–1999
|2000–present
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Stadler Variobahn]]
|rowspan=2|[[File:-2021-02-08 Tram approaching the Addiscombe stop, Croydon.jpg|90px]]
|rowspan="2"|32
|rowspan="2"|72
|rowspan="2"|134
|rowspan="2"|206
|colspan="2"|6
|2554-2559
|2011–2012
|2012–present
|-
|colspan="2"|6
|2560-2565
|2014–2016
|2015–present
|-
!Total
!colspan="8" |
!36
!35
!colspan="5" |
|}

====Bombardier CR4000====
{{main|Bombardier CR4000}}
[[File:General Railway Pictures 2013 243.jpg|thumb|A Variobahn ''(right)'' and a CR4000 at [[Sandilands tram stop]] in July 2013]]
The original fleet comprised 24 articulated [[low floor]] [[Bombardier Flexity Swift]] [[CR4000]] trams built in [[Vienna]] numbered beginning at 2530, continuing from the highest-numbered tram 2529 on [[Trams in London|London's former tram network]], which closed in 1952.<ref>{{cite magazine |title = First Croydon Tram on Test |magazine = [[Today's Railways UK]] |issue = 36 |date = December 1998 |page = 57 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The original livery was red and white. One (2550) was painted in FirstGroup white, blue and pink livery. During 2006, the CR4000 fleet was refreshed, with the bus-style destination roller blinds being replaced with a digital [[dot-matrix display]]. Between 2008 and 2009 the fleet was repainted externally in the new green livery and the interiors were refurbished with new flooring, seat covers retrimmed in a new [[moquette]] and [[stanchions]] repainted from yellow to green.<ref>{{cite magazine |title = Croydon Tramlink opened for business |magazine = [[The Railway Magazine]] |issue = 1191 |date = July 2000 |page = 10 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/news/Exclusive-End-era-Croydon-s-red-tram-turns-green/article-869210-detail/article.html |title=End of an era as Croydon's last red tram turns green |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007080528/http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/news/Exclusive-End-era-Croydon-s-red-tram-turns-green/article-869210-detail/article.html |archive-date=7 October 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> One (2551) has been permanently withdrawn having been significantly damaged in the [[2016 Croydon tram derailment]] on 9 November 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tramlink. Current Fleet Availability - a Freedom of Information request to Transport for London |url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/tramlink_current_fleet_availabil_2#incoming-2563736 |website=WhatDoTheyKnow |access-date=7 March 2024 |date=3 February 2024 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

In 2007, tram 2535 was named after Stephen Parascandolo,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Croydon Tramlink - The Unofficial Site |url=https://www.croydon-tramlink.co.uk/index.shtml |access-date=18 April 2021 |website=croydon-tramlink.co.uk |language = en-GB}}</ref> a well known tram enthusiast.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2535 Stephen Parascandolo naming ceremony |url=https://www.thetrams.co.uk/croydon/sjp/ |language = en-GB}}</ref>

====Croydon Variobahn====
{{main|Stadler Variobahn}}
In January 2011, Tramtrack Croydon invited tenders for the supply of then new or second-hand trams,<ref name=rgltsbfat/> and on 18 August 2011, TfL announced that [[Stadler Rail]] had won a £16.3{{nbsp}}million contract to supply six [[Variobahn]] trams similar to those used by [[Bybanen]] in [[Bergen]], Norway.<ref name=rgi20110818/> They entered service during 2012.<ref name=RailwayGazette21Aug13/> In August 2013, TfL ordered an additional four Variobahn trams for delivery in 2015, an order that was later increased to six. This brought the total Variobahn fleet up to ten in 2015,<ref name=RailwayGazette21Aug13/><ref name=TfLWimbledonNewTrams/> and 12 in 2016 when the final two trams were delivered.<ref name=BTO/>

===Ancillary vehicles===
Engineers' vehicles used in Tramlink construction were hired for that purpose.

In November 2006, Tramlink purchased five second-hand engineering vehicles from [[Deutsche Bahn]]. These were two {{ill|DB class Klv 53|de|DB-Baureihe Klv 53}} engineers' trams (numbered 058 and 059 in Tramlink service), and three 4-wheel wagons (numbered 060, 061, and 062).<ref name=CR-TL>{{Cite web |url=http://www.croydon-tramlink.co.uk/pictures/plant/index.shtml |title=On Track Plant and Construction Traffic |publisher=Stephen Parascandolo |access-date=10 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628041641/http://www.croydon-tramlink.co.uk/pictures/plant/index.shtml |archive-date=28 June 2016 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Service tram 058 and trailer 061 were both sold to the [[National Tramway Museum]] in 2010.

===Future fleet===
In the 2020s, TfL began work to replace the CR4000 tram fleet, which are approaching their end of its life and becoming increasingly unreliable.<ref>{{Cite web |last=insidecroydon |date=2023-02-25 |title=TfL needs to find £50m to replace Croydon's oldest trams |url=https://insidecroydon.com/2023/02/25/tfl-needs-to-find-50m-to-replace-croydons-oldest-trams/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Inside Croydon |language=en-US}}</ref> In June 2023, one-fifth of the CR4000 fleet was temporarily withdrawn due to issues with their wheels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=insidecroydon |date=2023-06-08 |title=20% of Croydon's tram fleet suffered damage to their wheels |url=https://insidecroydon.com/2023/06/08/20-of-croydons-tram-fleet-suffered-damage-to-their-wheels/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Inside Croydon |language=en-US}}</ref>

In January 2024, Tramtrack Croydon invited tenders for a base order of 24 new trams with an option for 16 more and a 30-year technical support contract, costed at £385{{nbsp}}million.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=insidecroydon |date=2023-12-23 |title='Difficult decisions' as TfL gives green light for new tram fleet |url=https://insidecroydon.com/2023/12/23/difficult-decisions-as-tfl-gives-green-light-for-new-tram-fleet/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Inside Croydon |language=en-US}}</ref> In September 2024, TfL announced that four manufacturers ([[Alstom]], [[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles]], [[Hitachi Rail STS|Hitachi Rail]] and [[Stadler Rail Valencia]]) had been invited to place bids.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=10 Sep 2024 |title=London Trams invites manufacturers to bid to design and build new fleet of trams |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2024/september/london-trams-invites-manufacturers-to-bid-to-design-and-build-new-fleet-of-trams |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=Transport for London |language=en-GB}}</ref> The new fleet is intended to replace the CR4000 trams, which are reaching the end of their design life.<ref name=":1" />

==Fares and ticketing==
[[File:Gb-tramlink-tickets.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|A former Tramlink ticket machine]]

TfL Bus & Tram Passes are valid on Tramlink, as are [[Travelcard]]s that include any of zones 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Pay-as-you-go [[Oyster card]] fares are the same as on [[London Buses]], although special fares may apply when using Tramlink feeder buses.

When using Oyster cards, passengers must touch in on the platform before boarding the tram. Special arrangements apply at [[Wimbledon station]], where the Tramlink stop is within the [[National Rail]] and [[London Underground]] station. Tramlink passengers must therefore touch in at the station entry barriers then again at the Tramlink platform to inform the system that no mainline/LUL rail journey has been made.

[[Contactless payment]] cards can also be used to pay for fares in the same manner as Oyster cards.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/contactless |title = Fares |website = tfl.gov.uk |language = en-GB}}</ref> Ticket machines were withdrawn on 16 July 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2018/june/tfl-confirms-trams-in-croydon-will-go-cashle |title = TFL confirms trams in Croydon will go 'cashless' |website = tfl.gov.uk |language = en-GB}}</ref>

==Corporate affairs==
===Ownership and structure===
The service was created as a result of the Croydon Tramlink Act 1994 that received [[Royal Assent]] on 21 July 1994,<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 July 1994 |title=Croydon Tramlink Act 1994 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1994/11/contents/enacted |access-date=25 June 2024 |website=Legislation.gov.uk}}</ref> a [[Local and personal Acts of Parliament (United Kingdom)#Local acts|Private Bill]] jointly promoted by [[London Regional Transport]] (the predecessor of [[Transport for London]] (TfL)) and [[Croydon London Borough Council]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1992/oct/27/croydon-tramlink-bill-hl |title = Croydon Tramlink Bill |work = [[Hansard]] |date = 27 October 1992 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Following a competitive tender, a consortium company Tramtrack Croydon Limited (incorporated in 1995) was awarded a 99-year concession to build and run the system.<ref name = "tfl tramhistory">{{cite web |url = https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/culture-and-heritage/londons-transport-a-history/trams |title = Trams |publisher = TfL |access-date = 13 May 2024 |language = en-GB}}</ref> On 17 March 2008, it was announced that TfL would take over Tramlink in exchange for £98{{nbsp}}million. Since 28 June 2008, the company has been a subsidiary of TfL.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/tramtrack-croydon-buy-out/32831.article |title = Tramtrack Croydon buy out |publisher = Railway Gazette International |date = 27 March 2008 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/tramlink-transferred-to-transport-for-london/33099.article |title = Tramlink transferred to Transport for London |publisher = Railway Gazette International |date = 3 July 2008 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

Tramlink is currently operated by Tram Operations Ltd (TOL), a subsidiary of [[FirstGroup]], who have a contract to operate the service until 2030. TOL provides the drivers and management to operate the service; the infrastructure and trams are owned and maintained by a TfL subsidiary.<ref name = "tfl whatwedo"/><ref>{{cite magazine |title = News in Brief |magazine = Railway Gazette International |date = August 2008 |page = 479 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.firstgroupplc.com/~/media/Files/F/Firstgroup-Plc/AGM/2019/latest-annual-report-2019.pdf |title = Latest Annual Report 2019 |publisher = FirstGroup |access-date = 13 May 2024 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2024 |title=TfL takes forward new tram plans |url=https://www.modernrailways.com/article/tfl-takes-forward-new-tram-plans |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=Modern Railways |language=en |quote=TfL has maintained the infrastructure of the tram network since 2011 and the trams themselves since 2014; operation is contracted to FirstGroup subsidiary Tram Operations Ltd in a contract which runs to 2030.}}</ref>

===Business trends===
[[File:Au Morandarte Flickr Tramlink 2540 on Route 3, George Street (9756050911).jpg|thumb|A Tramlink tram on George Street, Croydon in 2013]]

The key available trends in recent years for Tramlink are (years ending 31 March):
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
!
! 2014
! 2015
! 2016
! 2017
! 2018
! 2019
! 2020
! 2021
|-
| Passenger revenue{{efn|As defined in the [[DfT]] Light Rail and Tram Survey (Table LRT0301a)<ref name="LRT"/>}} ([[Pound sterling|£]]M)
| align=center|23.5
| align=center|24.4
| align=center|22.8
| align=center|25.5
| align=center|24.1
| align=center|23.5
| align=center|22.7
| align=center|11.5
|-
| 'Profit' ("Financial assistance given"){{efn|Financial assistance given to Tramtrack Croydon Ltd, as defined in [[TfL]]'s Annual Report and Statement of Accounts}}  (£M)
|
| align=center| {{color|red|−32.2}}
| align=center| {{color|red|−45.1}}
| align=center| {{color|red|−22.4}}
| align=center| {{color|red|−28.7}}
| align=center| {{color|red|−29.7}}
| align=center| {{color|red|−39.1}}
| align=center| {{color|red|−37.6}}
|-
| Number of passengers{{efn|Number of passenger journeys, as defined in [[TfL]]'s Quarterly performance reports}} (M)
| align=center| 31.2
| align=center| 30.7
| align=center| 27.0
| align=center| 29.5
| align=center| 29.1
| align=center| 28.7
| align=center| 27.2
| align=center| 11.6
|-
| Customer satisfaction (score)
| align=center| 89
| align=center| 89
| align=center| 90
| align=center| 87
| align=center| 91
| align=center| 90
| align=center| TBC
| align=center| TBC
|-
| Number of trams (at year end)
| align=center| 30
| align=center| 30
| align=center| 34
| align=center| 36
| align=center| 35
| align=center| 35
| align=center| 35
| align=center| 35
|-
| ''Notes/sources''
| align=center| <ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2016 Report"/>
| align=center| <ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2016 Report"/>
| align=center| <ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2016 Report">{{cite web |title=Transport for London Annual Report 2015/16|url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-2015-16.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911100843/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-2015-16.pdf |archive-date=11 September 2016 |url-status=live |publisher=TfL | date=19 July 2016 |access-date=3 May 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
| align=center| <ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2018 Report"/>
| align=center| <ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2018 Report">{{cite web |title=Transport for London Annual Report 2017/18|url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-and-statement-of-accounts-2017-18.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827013923/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-and-statement-of-accounts-2017-18.pdf |archive-date=27 August 2018 |url-status=live |publisher=TfL | date=25 July 2018 |access-date=3 May 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
| align=center| <ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2019 Report">{{cite web |title=Transport for London Annual Report 2018/19|url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-and-statement-of-accounts-2018-19.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203211158/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-and-statement-of-accounts-2018-19.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2019 |url-status=live |publisher=TfL | date=24 July 2019 |access-date=3 May 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
| align=center| <ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2020 Report">{{cite web |title=Transport for London Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2020|url=https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-2019-20.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829164525/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-2019-20.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2020 |url-status=live |publisher=TfL | date=29 July 2020 |access-date=20 March 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref><br /><ref name="QPR2020">{{cite web |title=Transport for London Quarterly performance reports|url=https://content.tfl.gov.uk/qpr4.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706141835/https://content.tfl.gov.uk/qpr4.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2021 |url-status=live |publisher=TfL | date=July 2020 |access-date=20 March 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
| align=center| <ref name="LRT">{{cite web |title=Light rail and tram statistics (LRT)|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-lrt |publisher=Department for Transport |date=23 June 2021 |access-date=18 November 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name="2021 Report">{{cite web |title=Transport for London Annual Report and Statement of Accounts 2020/21|url=https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-9-august-2021-acc.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809103125/https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-annual-report-9-august-2021-acc.pdf |archive-date=9 August 2021 |url-status=live|publisher=TfL | date=28 July 2021 |access-date=18 November 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref><br /><ref name="QPR2021">{{cite web |title=Transport for London quarterly performance report|url=https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-quarterly-performance-report-quarter-4-2020-21.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014171504/https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-quarterly-performance-report-quarter-4-2020-21.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2021 |url-status=live |publisher=TfL | date=May 2021 |access-date=18 November 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="13" style="text-align:left;" |{{notelist}}
|}

Activities in the financial year 2020/21 were severely reduced by the impact of the [[coronavirus pandemic]].

===Passenger numbers===
Detailed passenger journeys since Tramlink commenced operations in May 2000 were:
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Estimated passenger journeys (millions) made on Tramlink per financial year
|-
! Year
! Passenger<br />journeys
! Year
! Passenger<br />journeys
! Year
! Passenger<br />journeys
!Year
!Passenger<br />journeys
|-
! 2000{{ndash}}01
| 15.0
! 2007{{ndash}}08
| | 27.2
! 2014{{ndash}}15
| | 30.7
!2021-22
|19.1
|-
! 2001{{ndash}}02
| 18.2
! 2008{{ndash}}09
|27.2
! 2015{{ndash}}16
| 27.0
!2022-23
|20.9
|-
! 2002{{ndash}}03
| 18.7
! 2009{{ndash}}10
| 25.8
! 2016{{ndash}}17
| 29.5
!2023-24
| 20.0
|-
! 2003{{ndash}}04
| 19.8
! 2010{{ndash}}11
| 27.9
! 2017{{ndash}}18
| 29.1
! 2024{{ndash}}25
| 17.2
|-
! 2004{{ndash}}05
| 22.0
! 2011{{ndash}}12
| 28.6
! 2018{{ndash}}19
| 28.7
!
|
|-
! 2005{{ndash}}06
| 22.5
! 2012{{ndash}}13
| 30.1
! 2019{{ndash}}20
| 27.2
!
|
|-
! 2006{{ndash}}07
| 24.6
! 2013{{ndash}}14
| 31.2
! 2020{{ndash}}21
|11.6
!
|
|-
| colspan="08" style="background:#fff;"|Estimates from the [[Department for Transport]]<ref name="dftjour">{{cite web |title=Passenger journeys on light rail and trams by system: England - annual from 1983/84 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1182425/lrt0101.ods |access-date=14 June 2019 |publisher=Department For Transport |format=downloadable .ods [[OpenDocument]] file |language = en-GB}}</ref>
|}

==Proposals for extensions==
Numerous extensions to the network have been discussed or proposed over the years, involving varying degrees of support and investigative effort.

During 2002, as part of The Mayor's Transport Strategy for London, a number of proposed extensions were identified, including to Sutton from Wimbledon or Mitcham; to Crystal Palace; to Colliers Wood/Tooting; and along the A23. The Strategy said that "extensions to the network could, in principle, be developed at relatively modest cost where there is potential demand..."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/transport/pdf/final_ch04d.pdf |title = London Dockland and Croydon Tramlink Extensions |archive-url = http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090713203635/http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/transport/pdf/final_ch04d.pdf |archive-date=13 July 2009 |language = en-GB}}</ref> and sought initial views on the viability of a number of extensions by summer 2002.

In 2006, in a TfL consultation on an extension to Crystal Palace, three options were presented: on-street, off-street and a mixture of the two.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/trams/pdf/Crystal-Palace-2006-10-19.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105071901/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/trams/pdf/Crystal-Palace-2006-10-19.pdf |archive-date=5 January 2007 |url-status=live |title=Crystal Palace extension options to reach the Parade |website=tfl.gov.uk |access-date=9 May 2018 |language = en-GB}}</ref> After the consultation, the off-street option was favoured, to include [[Crystal Palace Station]] and Crystal Palace Parade.<ref name=LambethCouncil>{{cite web |title=Croydon Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace |url=http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/TransportStreets/PublicTransportTaxis/PublicTransportConsultation/ExtendingTramlinkToCrystalPalace.htm |work=Lambeth Council Website |publisher=Lambeth Council |access-date=19 August 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> TfL stated in 2008 that due to lack of funding the plans for this extension would not be taken forward.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/2055.aspx |title = Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace |publisher = Transport for London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202065640/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/2055.aspx |archive-date=2 December 2008 |language = en-GB}}</ref> They were revived shortly after Boris Johnson's re-election as Mayor in May 2012, but six months later they were cancelled again.<ref name=CroydonAdvertiser>{{cite news |last=Austen |first=Ian |title=Crystal Palace Tramlink extension not backed by Boris Johnson despite manifesto |url=http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Crystal-Palace-Tramlink-extension-backed-Boris/story-17523965-detail/story.html#axzz2cR2ARIFZ |access-date=19 August 2013 |newspaper=Croydon Advertiser |date=7 December 2012 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

During November 2014, a 15-year plan, Trams 2030, called for upgrades to increase capacity on the network in line with an expected increase in ridership to 60{{nbsp}}million passengers by 2031<ref name="content.tfl.gov.uk">{{cite web |url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/rup-20141113-part-1-item09-trams-update.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=11 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019202726/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/rup-20141113-part-1-item09-trams-update.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2016 |language = en-GB}}</ref> (although the passenger numbers at the time (2013/14: 31.2 million) have not been exceeded since (as at 2019)).
The upgrades were to improve reliability, support regeneration in the Croydon metropolitan centre, and future-proof the network for [[Crossrail 2]], a potential [[Bakerloo line extension]], and extensions to the tram network itself to a wide variety of destinations. The plans involve dual-tracking across the network and introducing diverting loops on either side of Croydon, allowing for a higher frequency of trams on all four branches without increasing congestion in central Croydon. The £737{{nbsp}}million investment was to be funded by the Croydon Growth Zone, TfL Business Plan, housing levies, and the respective boroughs, and by the affected developers.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/trams-for-growth-presentation.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=15 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220132721/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/trams-for-growth-presentation.pdf |archive-date=20 December 2016 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

All the various developments, if implemented, could theoretically require an increase in the fleet from 30 to up to 80 trams (depending on whether longer trams or coupled trams are used). As such, an increase in depot and stabling capacity would also be required; enlargement of the current Therapia Lane site, as well as sites near the Elmers End and Harrington Road tram stops, were shortlisted.<ref name="content.tfl.gov.uk"/>

===Sutton Link===
{{main|Sutton Link}}

During July 2013, then Mayor Boris Johnson had affirmed that there was a reasonable business case for Tramlink to cover the Wimbledon – Sutton corridor, which might also include a loop via [[St Helier Hospital]] and an extension to [[Royal Marsden Hospital#Sutton site|The Royal Marsden Hospital]].<ref>{{cite web |date=18 July 2013 |title=Boris tells City Hall there is 'reasonable business case' for extending tram route to Sutton |url=http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10557415.Boris_tells_City_Hall_there_is__reasonable_business_case__for_extending_tram_route_to_Sutton/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120504/http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10557415.Boris_tells_City_Hall_there_is__reasonable_business_case__for_extending_tram_route_to_Sutton/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=9 May 2018 |work=Your Local Guardian |language = en-GB}}</ref> In 2014, a proposed £320M scheme for a new line to connect Wimbledon to Sutton via Morden was made and brought to consultation jointly by the London Boroughs of Merton and Sutton. Although £100M from TfL was initially secured in the draft 2016/17 budget,<ref>{{cite web |date=15 March 2016 |title=TfL commits £100m to extending tram network from Wimbledon to Sutton |url=http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/14345323.TfL_commits___100m_to_extending_tram_network_from_Wimbledon_to_Sutton/ |work=Sutton Guardian |language = en-GB}}</ref> this was subsequently reallocated.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 December 2016 |title=Why Croydon's tram network may now not be extended to Sutton |work=Croydon Advertiser |url=http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/100million-tram-link-between-croydon-and-sutton-in-doubt-as-mayor-of-london-shelves-funding/story-29969181-detail/story.html |language = en-GB}}</ref>

In 2018, TfL opened a consultation on proposals for a connection to Sutton,<ref name="consultations.tfl.gov.uk">{{cite web |year=2020 |title=Have your say on the Sutton link |url=https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/trams/sutton-link/ |publisher=Transport for London}}</ref> with three route options: from [[South Wimbledon tube station|South Wimbledon]], from [[Colliers Wood tube station|Colliers Wood]] (both having an option of a [[bus rapid transit]] route or a tram line) or from [[Wimbledon station|Wimbledon]] (only as a tram line). During February 2020, following the consultation, TfL announced their preference for a north–south tramway between Colliers Wood and Sutton town centre, with a projected cost of £425M, on the condition of securing additional funding. Work on the project stopped in July 2020, as Transport for London could not find sufficient funding for it to continue.<ref name="consultations.tfl.gov.uk" />

In February 2020, TfL announced the preferred route of the extension,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=17 Feb 2020 |title=Transport for London selects preferred route and trams for Sutton Link |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/projects-and-planning/transport-for-london-selects-preferred-route-and-trams-for-sutton-link/55792.article |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref> expressing their support for "Route Option 2 (Colliers Wood – Sutton) operated as a tram service ... assuming we are successful in securing funding to deliver the project".,<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Tara |date=2020-02-17 |title=Plan to extend Croydon tram network to Sutton moves a step closer |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/plan-extend-croydon-tram-network-17764833 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref>

On 24 July 2020, the project was temporarily put on hold due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. TfL said they were pausing development work on the scheme "as the transport case is poor and there remains a significant funding gap". [[Andy Byford]], [[Commissioner of Transport for London|London's Transport Commissioner]], said that this involves making 'difficult choices' about which projects can be funded.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/long-awaited-tram-extension-sutton-18658837 |title=Long-awaited tram extension to Sutton has been put on hold by Transport for London |website=mylondon.news |date=24 July 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

During 2023, [[Sutton London Borough Council|Sutton's council]] leader Ruth Dombey advocated for the project and urged TfL and the [[Mayor of London|mayor's office]] to provide fair and adequate funding, especially in light of the [[ULEZ]] charge. However, London Mayor [[Sadiq Khan]] dismissed the project as inadequate and pointed out the £440M funding shortfall.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEExZL1RgKs&t=7s |title=Budget 2023 - What happened to the Tramlink Sutton Extension? |via=YouTube |date=15 March 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/23820200.tfl-says-can-no-longer-fund-sutton-tram-extension/ |title = TfL says it can no longer fund Sutton tram extension |website = yourlocalguardian.co.uk |first = Harrison |last = Galliven |date = 29 September 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref> London Mayor Sadiq Khan faced criticism from Sutton MP [[Paul Scully]] on 21 April 2023, for the delayed Sutton tram extension project and implementing the [[Ultra Low Emission Zone]] charge without sufficient public transport alternatives, while defending the delay citing a £440M funding gap.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vickers |first=Noah |date=2023-04-21 |title=Minister criticises Sadiq Khan as Sutton tram extension still shelved |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/sadiq-khan-paul-scully-sutton-tram-ulez-b1075634.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119174547/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/sadiq-khan-paul-scully-sutton-tram-ulez-b1075634.html |archive-date=2024-01-19 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}</ref> In December 2023, TfL stated that further progress will depend on funding agreements with other stakeholders such as local councils, the [[Department for Transport]], as well as [[Government of the United Kingdom|Government]], and that the Sutton Link is currently the only extension being considered.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} Rival proposals included new bus routes.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.mylondon.news/news/transport/croydon-tram-extension-sutton-buses-28621816 |title = Case for Croydon tram extension to Sutton considered 'weak' so new London bus routes are coming instead |website = mylondon.news |first = Adam |last = Toms |date = 14 February 2024 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
[[File:Sandilands Junction derailed tram.jpg|thumb|[[2016 Croydon tram derailment|Sandilands, November 2016]].]]
* On 7 September 2008, a bus on [[London Buses route 468|route 468]] travelled through a red [[traffic signal]] and collided with tram 2534 in George Street, Croydon, causing a fatality.<ref name=Crash>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7602748.stm |title=Man killed in bus and tram crash |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 September 2008 |date=7 September 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908035254/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7602748.stm |archive-date=8 September 2008 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name=crash3>{{Cite news |url= http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/news/Bus-driver-charged-Croydon-death-crash-tram/article-720999-detail/article.html |title= Bus driver charged over Croydon death crash with tram |work= Croydon Advertiser |date= 23 February 2009 |access-date= 9 December 2009 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091209211918/http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/news/Bus-driver-charged-Croydon-death-crash-tram/article-720999-detail/article.html |archive-date= 9 December 2009 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The driver of the bus was convicted of [[causing death by dangerous driving]] a year later in December 2009 and was sentenced to four years in prison.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/news/Breaking-news-Bus-driver-guilty-causing-passenger-s-death/article-1569170-detail/article.html |title=Bus driver found guilty of causing passenger's death |last=Wilson |first=Cherry |date=2 December 2009 |work=Croydon Advertiser |access-date=7 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913070020/http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/news/Breaking-news-Bus-driver-guilty-causing-passenger-s-death/article-1569170-detail/article.html |archive-date=13 September 2012 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
* On 13 September 2008, tram 2530 collided with a cyclist at Morden Hall Park footpath crossing between the [[Morden Road tram stop|Morden Road]] and [[Phipps Bridge tram stop|Phipps Bridge]] tram stops. The cyclist sustained serious injuries and later died. The immediate cause of the accident was found to be that the cyclist rode onto the crossing without looking at the approaching tram; among the causal factors were that the cyclist may have been wearing headphones, which prevented him hearing the audible warnings.<ref name=Crash3>{{Cite web |url=http://www.raib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/090312_R062009_MordenHallPark.pdf |title=Fatal accident at Morden Hall Park footpath crossing 13 September 2008 |publisher=RAIB |access-date=14 August 2013 |date=12 March 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216092130/http://www.raib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=%2F090312_R062009_MordenHallPark.pdf |archive-date=16 December 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
* On 5 April 2011, a woman tripped over and was dragged under a moving tram. She was taken to hospital in a serious condition. She is believed to have been running to catch the tram outside [[East Croydon station]] when she tripped and fell.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/8954834.UPDATE__Croydon_woman_dragged_under_tram_in_serious_condition/ |title= Croydon woman dragged under tram in serious condition |date= 5 April 2011 |work= This Is Local London |last= Miller |first= Harry |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120125134827/http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/8954834.UPDATE__Croydon_woman_dragged_under_tram_in_serious_condition/ |archive-date= 25 January 2012 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
* On 17 February 2012, a tram derailed after passing over facing points as it approached the platform at [[East Croydon station]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2014 |title=Report 04/2013: Derailment of a tram at East Croydon |url=https://www.gov.uk/raib-reports/derailment-of-a-tram-at-east-croydon |access-date=13 November 2021 |publisher=Rail Accident Investigation Branch |language = en-GB}}</ref>
* On 7 February 2016, five people were injured when a car collided with tram 2535, which was going round a bend near Wellesley Road. It resulted in the tram being derailed.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/five-hurt-as-tram-thrown-15ft-off-its-tracks-in-crash-in-croydon-a3175536.html | title=Five hurt as tram thrown 15ft off its tracks in crash with car in Croydon | date=8 February 2016 | accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref>
* On 9 November 2016, [[2016 Croydon tram derailment|tram 2551 derailed on a sharp curved junction]] {{convert|180|m|ft}} east from the [[Sandilands tram stop]], killing seven people and injuring at least 50 more.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-37919658 |title=Croydon tram: Five dead and 50 injured after derailment |date=9 November 2016 |access-date=9 November 2016 |publisher=[[BBC London]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109142908/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-37919658 |archive-date=9 November 2016 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The [[British Transport Police]] arrested the driver on suspicion of [[manslaughter]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://media.btp.police.uk/r/13403/updated_statement_on_tram_derailment_-_croydon |title=BTP {{!}} Updated statement on tram derailment - Croydon |website=media.btp.police.uk |publisher=[[British Transport Police]] |access-date=9 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110043951/http://media.btp.police.uk/r/13403/updated_statement_on_tram_derailment_-_croydon |archive-date=10 November 2016 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Driver error was found to be the cause of the accident, with suspicions that the driver had a [[microsleep]] episode approaching the bend. The driver was charged under the [[Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974]], but was acquitted by a jury following a trial at the [[Old Bailey]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Foster |first1=Aurelia |title=Croydon tram crash: Driver not guilty over fatal derailment |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-65949347 |website=BBC News |access-date=14 September 2024 |date=19 June 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|London transport}}
*
* [[List of modern tramway and light rail systems in the United Kingdom]]
* [[List of town tramway systems in the United Kingdom]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite magazine |title=Next stop Croydon... |first=Mike |last=Walter |magazine=[[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue=327 |publisher=EMAP Apex Publications |date=7 April 1998 |pages=36–37 |language = en-GB |issn=0953-4563 |oclc=49953699}}
* {{cite magazine |title=First Croydon tram arrives at brand new depot |magazine=[[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue=341 |publisher=EMAP Apex Publications |date=20 October 1998 |page=14 |language = en-GB |issn=0953-4563 |oclc=49953699}}
* {{cite magazine |title=This is the modern world! |first=Pip |last=Dunn |magazine=[[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |issue=342 |publisher=EMAP Apex Publications |date=3 November 1998 |pages=30–33 |language = en-GB |issn=0953-4563 |oclc=49953699}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
* {{Official website}}

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[[Category:Trams in London]]
[[Category:Tram transport in England]]
[[Category:Croydon 2020]]
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