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| Clipping from London Transport News - No. 392, March 15 1991 |
Transport for London (TfL) has listed four pre-qualified manufacturers to design and build a new fleet of trams for their tram network in South London.
TfL Press release:
• Manufacturer sought to build 24 new air-conditioned trams
• The new trams will provide customers with a more comfortable and reliable service, with new features including mobile charge points and real-time travel information
• The new generation of trams will start to be introduced in the late 2020s, subject to funding
• An option to procure additional trams in the future that could enable a full fleet replacement
The search for a manufacturer to design and build a new fleet of trams to replace the oldest ones operating on the London Trams network has begun, as Transport for London (TfL) has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT).
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 with TfL to design and build the next generation of trams that will, subject to funding, start to be introduced in the late 2020s.
The new trams will offer customers a more comfortable and reliable service along with several improved features including a redesigned interior, air-conditioning, the latest audio and visual real-time travel information, and mobile device charging points. The new trams will include a multi-use area that is designated primarily for wheelchair users but is also able to accommodate pushchairs and luggage when not in use.
The new trams will also feature the latest safety features building on improvements already made on the network, as TfL works to eliminate deaths and serious injuries across London's transport network as part of TfL’s Vision Zero commitments.
This is great, especially with various high-specification and safety standard features that will be used to encourage more people to travel by tram.
As for buses, I stated in my previous article that I like to see new accessible buses for London and elsewhere; this includes a new zero-emission double-deck bus with three-doors, two-staircases, two wheelchair spaces, stylish exterior design, etc. And also, zero-emission bendy buses with a tram-style design, which can be used on routes with extensive bus priority measures and trunk roads; these types of buses will also help increase capacity and accessibility for wheelchair and pushchair users.
The press release states that it is subject to securing a sustainable funding package, and TfL continues to discuss its capital funding requirements with the Government. Public transport is part of the Critical National Infrastructure and a major asset to the economy. To show your support, you can write to your local Member of Parliament and request that they forward your message to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (responsible for the His Majesty's Treasury) and the Secretary of State for Transport.
New transport funding helps improve the supply chains and job creation, especially in the field of manufacturing and engineering for new vehicles such as trams, buses, rolling stock, etc.