Transport for London (TfL) has been urged to "get a grip" on the impact of regular tram closures as new data reveals a rise in engineering works on the eastern section of the network, with a half-term shutdown threatening to isolate the New Addington community of over 20,000 residents who have no rail connections and only a small number of bus services.
TfL announced this week that from Saturday, October 24 until Thursday, November 5, no tram services will run east of East Croydon, affecting routes to Beckenham Junction, Elmers End and New Addington. The planned disruption follows a summer of major track renewal works and has drawn sharp criticism from local residents and politicians.
Residents express frustration over repeated closures
Long-time New Addington resident Lesley Fordham, who relies on the tram connection to Croydon, described the latest works as "beyond frustrating and irritating." She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "Many people are very angry with these dreadful decisions. No thought has been given to how entire groups will cope, not just disabled people, its the elderly, those of all ages with mobility problems, school children, parents, grandparents and guardians of young babies and children, plus drivers too."
Fordham also highlighted the impact on local shopping and community cohesion, saying: "Whatever kind of encouragement is this to even attempt to go to Croydon to shop? It's actually totally discouraging people. New Addington's being treated as a suburb of Croydon, rather than an integral part."
Additional disruption is scheduled for this weekend, with no tram service between Sandilands and New Addington on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, and no replacement buses operating during that closure.
MP demands adequate replacement services
Croydon East MP Natasha Irons, whose constituency includes New Addington, has written to TfL's General Manager for London Trams, Mark Davis, to demand that replacement bus services be fit for purpose. She told the LDRS: "Every time Croydon's tram services are suspended it has a serious impact on residents' lives. I've had parents writing to me concerned that they won't be able to use public footpaths to take children to nursery. I've had residents write to me frustrated that they can't commute to work."
Irons added: "I understand that track maintenance is essential, but residents should not be left to rely on irregular bus replacement services and unclear signage. TfL must get a grip on the impact these regular closures have on people's lives and ensure replacement services are fit for purpose and I've written to the General Manager for London Trams, again, to raise this." She said she is yet to receive a response from Davis.
Scope of works and rising disruption trend
The October half-term works will involve replacing one kilometre of track between Arena and Elmers End, alongside improvements to the Sandilands tunnel. Work will also be carried out to improve the Kent Gate Way road crossing, east of Gravel Hill, on the New Addington branch.
Freedom of Information data obtained by the LDRS shows that tram disruption between East Croydon and New Addington has become more frequent in recent years. No engineering closures were recorded in 2020 or 2022, while works accounted for nine days of closures in 2021 and a further nine days in 2023, alongside 39 hours of targeted repairs. Disruption then rose in 2024, with 32 days of closures, including a 24-day shutdown for track and ballast renewals. A further 14-day closure took place in 2025 to replace the Shirley Hills Road crossing, alongside short overnight track-stressing windows.
TfL said it holds no estimate of lost fare revenue linked to closures over the five-year period.
TfL defends maintenance programme
Following Monday's announcement, Davis said: "We're carrying out most of these works during the October half-term period when demand is lower to minimise disruption as much as possible. The programme includes renewing track, ballast and other key infrastructure across the network, helping to keep the tramway safe, reliable and fit for the future. We know these works will affect some journeys, and we'd like to thank customers for their patience. Replacement buses will be in place, and we encourage customers to plan ahead using the TfL Go app or our online journey planner before travelling."
Replacement buses will operate during the half-term closure, while local bus routes 119, 198, 289, 312, 314 and 367 will provide alternative travel options. Replacement buses serve all stops except Lebanon Road and Sandilands, which passengers must access via local buses.
