TfL invites manufacturers to bid for new tram fleet

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a search for a manufacturer to design and build a new fleet of trams to replace the oldest vehicles currently operating on the London Trams network.

Four pre-qualified manufacturers – Alstom Transport UK Limited, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A (CAF), Hitachi Rail Limited, and Stadler Rail Valencia S.A.U – can now proceed to the next stage of the formal procurement process to design and build the next generation of trams.  

The new trams will be an upgrade on the current fleet, with them expected to feature air-conditioning, real-time travel information and charging points, as well as multi-use areas for luggage, wheelchair users and pushchairs.

TfL's Director of Capital Delivery Infrastructure, Scott Haxton, said, "This invitation for tram manufacturers to submit bids is a significant step forward. Subject to funding, these trams will start to enter service in the late 2020s and will provide customers with more comfortable and reliable journeys for many years to come."  

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, added, "An improved and more reliable service will benefit our residents and everyone who visits and works in Croydon. Croydon's trams are a vital piece of infrastructure, connecting remote areas to our town centre."

The initial contract will be for 24 new trams to replace the oldest trams in the fleet, which have been in use for nearly 25 years. There will also be an option to extend the contract to build further trams that could replace the remaining trams introduced from 2012.  

The award of the contract is subject to securing a suitable funding package. TfL is currently in discussions with the government regarding its capital funding, with major fleet renewals such as this one forming part of it.