More variobahns in Croydon

[Domh245]

As some of you will probably know, Tramlink have exercised their option for another 4 Variobahns, for delivery in 2015. I was thinking about it tonight, as to what might be done. Someone I know suggested that these 4 might just run on the existing route 3 between Wimbledon and New Addington. However what might be more sensible would be doubling the section of track between Phipps Bridge and Morden Road, and then extending route 4 as far as Wimbledon, to give better links towards Elmers End from Wimbledon (not to mention an easier reversal than clearing the tram out and then going into the depot and coming back). With the current space issue at Wimbledon, to run this higher frequency service, some stepping back might be required, but that shouldn't pose too much of a problem, indeed I have seen it done before. What do you think should be done though?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Beddington to Mitcham is already going to be doubled isn't it? With Wimbledon stepped up from 8 to 12 trams per hour. I would imagine these four new trams will be to provide that capacity whether directly or indirectly.

It is a myth that the Varios cannot work to Wimbledon; during the recent engineering blockade they were all on the northern part of the route, meaning 5 of them were visiting Wimbledon each day with the 6th on maintenance.

 

[anthony263]

TFL are going to build a 2nd platform at Wimbledon to allow route 4 Elmers End - Therpia Lane to run to Wimbledon increasing the Wimbledon - Croydon frequency to every 5 minutes.

 

[Domh245]

Yes, I was one the variobahns during the blockade frequently. Mitcham to Mitcham Junction has been doubled, I'm not sure about Mitcham Junction to Beddington Lane though. Also, as for the second platform at Wimbledon, where would this go? I doubt it would go under the bridge, and there isn't much room to run between centre court and the existing platform

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I believe the second platform will be at street level rather than next to the existing platform.

 

[Domh245]

Hmm, I can't help but wonder where this would be though, as Wimbledon is quite a busy area, with not much space at street level, let alone much of a place to access it. I am in favour of building a new stop in Wimbledon with 2 platforms, but I can't help but feel that this could be timed to coincide with Crossrail 2 if it goes ahead, as the station will be heavily modified for that, so it would be the ideal opportunity to sort things out.

 

[edwin_m]

Weren't they planning to build more track alongside the one Tramlink platform at Wimbledon and extend the second track to join it half way along? Then trams could drop off at the Croydon end, move down and pick up at the Waterloo end while the driver changed ends.

 

[anthony263]

Weren't they planning to build more track alongside the one Tramlink platform at Wimbledon and extend the second track to join it half way along? Then trams could drop off at the Croydon end, move down and pick up at the Waterloo end while the driver changed ends.

Yes thats what they are planning on doing

 

[swt_passenger]

The TfL version of the news is here:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/28456.aspx

I thought their plan was for a stepped platform like at Clapham Jn's P1/2, where the second platform was built out and turned the first one into a bay.

One interesting paragraph in TfL's release is this:

The Wimbledon Line Enhancement Programme will improve journey times and reduce congestion on board trams and at Wimbledon station, make it easier to use Oyster touch in and touch out facilities and improve interchange between tram and National Rail services

Having the tram platforms inside the Oyster paid area has always been confusing to some passengers, I wonder what they intend doing?

 

[Electrostar]

Will the Variobahns find service on the Beckenham Junction branch? I've seen one on test late at night but none in public service.

 

[anthony263]

Will the Variobahns find service on the Beckenham Junction branch? I've seen one on test late at night but none in public service.

If there is a increase in passenger numbers and there is a variobahn available then perhaps yes. At the moment however I dont really think passenger numbers justify one of the larger trams being used.

That said I find the Variobahns to be extremely pleasant to travel on as they feel more open compared to the other trams and any dmu's