Transport for London (TfL) has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for manufacturers to bid on designing and building a new tram fleet for 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 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 feature redesigned interior, air conditioning, mobile charging points, live visual real-time travel information and a multi-use area designated primarily for wheelchair users but is also able to accommodate pushchairs and luggage when not in use.

Scott Haxton, TfL's Director of Capital Delivery Infrastructure, said: “This invitation for tram manufacturers to submit bids for the design and manufacture of the next generation of trams on the London Trams network is a significant next step.  

“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.”

Some of the oldest trams in the fleet have been in operation for almost 25 years, this new contract will see 24 new modern trams replace those at the end of their design life that have become less reliable.

According to TfL 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 to design and build the new trams is subject to securing a suitable funding package.

TfL said it continues to discuss its capital funding requirements with Government, including major fleet renewals such as this one. 

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “We welcome this positive news from TfL regarding a proposed new fleet of trams which will help support our borough's regeneration.

“An improved and more reliable service will benefit our residents and everyone who visits and works in Croydon, as they commute around the borough for work and leisure.

“Croydon's trams are a vital piece of infrastructure, connecting remote areas to our town centre.

“We look forward to seeing this proposed fleet introduced and hope to see longer-term investment secured for the system, providing improved transport links and a welcome boost to the regeneration of our town centre and our local economy.”