New tram platform at Wimbledon is opened to increase services by 50%

A new tram platform at Wimbledon has been opened, in order to increase services by 50%.

The new tram platform at Wimbledon is part of Transport for London’s (TfL’s) investment programme, and will help bring in four new trams, allowing 12 to run every hour between Wimbledon and Croydon. The new trams will enter service from spring 2016, and as the demand for the tram network grows, the increased service will help boost the local economy.

Nick Brown, Managing Director London Underground and Rail, said: “The tram network is vital to the community it serves and we’re committed to making improvements to serve the growing number of passengers who use the service.  Next year, new trams will mean customers will receive a better, more frequent service between Wimbledon and West Croydon.  We’re also making journeys more reliable, providing more frequent trams during the off-peak, with brighter trams and stops and improved crossings, which will make a real difference to the customers who use the service every day.”

The tram network is rapidly increasing and will help reduce congestion 

The tram network has experienced rapid growth in passenger numbers since it opened in 2000, from 18.5 million passengers in its first year of operation, to over 32 million in 2014/15. The demand on the tram network is forecast to increase to around 60 million by 2030.

The new tram platform at Wimbledon will also have a positive impact on other transport services in the area, helping to relieve congestion on buses and encouraging car owners to leave their vehicles at home. This will help to reduce both traffic and carbon emissions.

Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon, said: “The new tram platform at Wimbledon station is the latest of a growing list of local transport improvements. The increased frequency of services will make more jobs and opportunities available to local people and also help attract more business and investment into Wimbledon itself.”

Various improvements have already been made, including additional track between Mitcham Junction and Beddington Lane, which allows trams to travel in both directions simultaneously, allowing for more frequent and faster journeys.