Transport for London (TfL) has announced a new and improved tram timetable which will see more evening services running to and from Beckenham Junction.
In an effort to reduce overcrowding the new timetable, which will take effect from February 25, will provide passengers with a more regular service with even spacing between trams. The changes will reduce the average waiting time on the Beckenham branch by 14 per cent and is expected to reduce crowding by a third.
There will be extra early morning services on the New Addington branch, extra evening services on the Beckenham Junction and Elmers End branches, and extra services both early morning and in the evening on the Wimbledon branch.
Trams from East Croydon to Elmers End/Beckenham Junction between 8pm and 9pm will arrive every 10 minutes instead of every 15 minutes.
The TfL website states: South London is changing, with more people living, working and socialising in the area and demand for tram services continues to rise. The roads they share with cars, pedestrians and cyclists are also getting busier. These timetable changes are essential to ensure the tram network continues to provide a fast and reliable service to the communities it serves.”
Trams will serve Wimbledon regularly every five minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes and run via Arena, alternating every 10 minutes to/from Beckenham Junction and Elmers End.
Rory O’Neill, TfL’s general manager of London Trams, said: “We have discussed these changes extensively with our customers and concluded that the new timetable will benefit the vast majority of tram users, ensuring services are more regular and less crowded.
“We appreciate it may take time for customers to adapt, but feel these timetable changes are essential to ensure London Trams continues to support future growth in the area it serves.
“We have a long-term plan to improve the tram network and adjusting the timetable is just our first step, which we will keep under review to make sure it is delivering the expected benefits for customers.”