Work to begin in July on additional tram platform for Wimbledon station

A new tram platform at Wimbledon station will help increase capacity on the Tramlink system, with construction work due to begin next month.

The increased service will allow a frequency of 12 trams per hour between Wimbledon and Croydon (with the arrival of four new Stadler trams, bring the increase in capacity to 50%). As a result, the Wimbledon tram stop will temporarily close from July 13 until October while the work takes place, with trams terminating at nearby Dundonald Road in the interim.

London Trams Director Sharon Thompson said: “The tram enhancement work at Wimbledon is a vital development that will increase the capacity of London’s tram network, which is much needed on this busy service. “When complete in 2016, our customers will benefit from a more frequent service with the introduction of four new trams across the Wimbledon to West Croydon branch.”

Demand for the network has grown consistently since the system opened in 2000, with a rapid growth in passenger numbers from 18.5 million in its first year of operation to over 32 million in 2014/15. By 2030, this demand is set to increase to around 60 million a year.

A number of other improvements have already been made, including a 700 metre section of double track between Mitcham Junction and Beddington Lane and an additional 1000m of track between Mitcham and Mitcham Junction, removing bottlenecks and improving access.