Sutton Link

Since the opening of Croydon Tramlink (now London Trams) in 2000, there have been several proposals to extend the network to other parts of south and south-east London, including to Sutton and Crystal Palace.{{Cite web |date=2002 |title=Docklands Light Railway and Croydon Tramlink |url=http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/transport/pdf/final_ch04d.pdf |archive-url=https://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090713203635/http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/transport/pdf/final_ch04d.pdf |archive-date=13 July 2009 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Mayor of London |page=148 |quote=A number of proposed extensions have been identified: to Sutton from Wimbledon or Mitcham; to Crystal Palace; to Colliers Wood/Tooting; along the A23.}} In 2002, TfL indicated that an Tramlink extension to Sutton was being considered.{{Cite web |last=Pelling |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Pelling |last2=Livingstone |first2=Ken |author-link2=Ken Livingstone |date=23 January 2002 |title=Questions to the Mayor - Tram link to Sutton |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/tram-link-sutton |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Greater London Authority |language=en}} In 2005, the Spending Review only allocated funding towards an Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace, and work on the Sutton extension was placed on hold.{{Cite web |last=Pelling |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Pelling |last2=Livingstone |first2=Ken |author-link2=Ken Livingstone |date=23 February 2005 |title=Questions for the Mayor - Tram for Sutton |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/tram-sutton |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Greater London Authority |language=en}}

In the early 2010s, TfL again began feasibility work on extending the Tramlink south towards Sutton.{{Cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Steve |author-link=Steve O'Connell |last2=Johnson |first2=Boris |author-link2=Boris Johnson |date=2 October 2011 |title=Questions to the Mayor - Tramlink to Sutton |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/tramlink-sutton |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Greater London Authority |language=en}} In September 2011, the London Borough of Sutton and London Borough of Merton signed a joint Statement of Intent, expressing their support for a future extension to Sutton.{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Merton Web |date=2011-09-16 |title=Merton and Sutton seek tramline extension |url=https://news.merton.gov.uk/2011/09/16/pressrelease-2626/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Merton Council Newsroom |language=en-US}} In May 2013, the London Borough of Sutton published an prospectus outlining the potential benefits of an extension to Tramlink to connect to Sutton and the Royal Marsden Hospital.{{Cite web |date=May 2013 |title=Sutton Tramlink Extension Economic Benefits Prospectus |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/documents/20124/450901/Sutton_Tramlink_LOW_RES.pdf/e8dcdfa3-0a8e-4f35-9368-c93e7b925e11 |access-date=3 Feb 2024 |website=London Borough of Sutton}} This outlined a potential route from the Morden Road tram stop, heading south along the A24 and A297 to Rosehill Roundabout, then through Sutton town centre, ending at Sutton railway station. A further extension south would connect to the Royal Marsden Hospital. Discussions with Transport for London (TfL) indicated that the initial phase to Sutton could cost around £240m. The prospectus indicated support from both Sutton and Merton Councils, as well as from major employers along the route.

In July 2013, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson said that there was a reasonable business case for an extension of tram to Sutton.{{cite web |last=Murphy-Pyle |first=Mike |date=18 July 2013 |title=Boris tells City Hall there is 'reasonable business case' for extending tram route to Sutton |url=http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10557415.Boris_tells_City_Hall_there_is__reasonable_business_case__for_extending_tram_route_to_Sutton/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120504/http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10557415.Boris_tells_City_Hall_there_is__reasonable_business_case__for_extending_tram_route_to_Sutton/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=9 May 2018 |website=Your Local Guardian |df=dmy-all}} In the London 2050 Infrastructure plan, an extension of the tram to Sutton was given a medium priority with a timescale of 2030.{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=London Infrastructure Plan 2050 - Transport Supporting Paper |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Transport%20Supporting%20Paper_3.pdf |access-date=3 Feb 2024 |website=Greater London Authority |page=145}}

Between July and August 2014, a joint consultation by the London Boroughs of Merton and Sutton was held. It aimed to gauge support for the extension, as well as for different routes proposed. The consultation offered three choices of northern terminus (Wimbledon and South Wimbledon on-street or off-street), with or without the loop serving St Helier Hospital directly, and for the Sutton loop to either run entirely around the Sutton gyratory or divert north along the High Street.{{Cite web |date=September 2014 |title=Extending Tramlink from Wimbledon to Sutton via Morden - Public consultation - Report to London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton |url=https://www.opportunitysutton.org/wp-content/uploads/Tramlink_Report_FINAL1.pdf |access-date=3 Feb 2024 |website=Opportunity Sutton |pages=4–5}} In September 2014, results showed 84% of respondents strongly supported or supported the extension. Respondents also supported a northern terminus at Wimbledon, a loop to serve St Helier Hospital, and running entirely around the Sutton gyratory.{{Cite web |date=September 2014 |title=Extending Tramlink from Wimbledon to Sutton via Morden - Public consultation - Report to London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton |url=https://www.opportunitysutton.org/wp-content/uploads/Tramlink_Report_FINAL1.pdf |access-date=3 Feb 2024 |website=Opportunity Sutton |pages=6–9}}

In March 2016, £100m from TfL was initially secured in their draft 2016/17 budget,{{cite web |author=Morrison |first=Sean |date=2016-03-15 |title=TfL commits £100m to extending tram network from Wimbledon to Sutton |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/14345323.tfl-commits-100m-to-extending-tram-network-from-wimbledon-to-sutton/ |accessdate=2021-02-15 |publisher=Your Local Guardian}} however this was subsequently reallocated.{{cite web |last=Simpson |first=Craig |date=10 December 2016 |title=Why Croydon's tram network may now not be extended to Sutton |url=http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/100million-tram-link-between-croydon-and-sutton-in-doubt-as-mayor-of-london-shelves-funding/story-29969181-detail/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211143248/https://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/100million-tram-link-between-croydon-and-sutton-in-doubt-as-mayor-of-london-shelves-funding/story-29969181-detail/story.html |archive-date=11 Dec 2016 |website=Croydon Advertiser}} Merton and Sutton Councils promised £50m each towards the line. In May 2016, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said he remained committed to the project, and called on Sutton Council to raise the shortfall in funding.{{cite web |last=O'Mahony |first=Daniel |date=19 May 2016 |title=Sadiq Khan: Croydon tram extension from Wimbledon to Sutton is a priority - 'but don't hold your breath' |url=http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/14504564.Sadiq_Khan__Tram_extension_is_a_priority____but_don_t_hold_your_breath_/ |access-date=1 June 2024 |website=Sutton Guardian}}{{cite web |last=Anglesey |first=Anders |date=24 January 2017 |title='Show more ambition': Sutton to review tram extension funding as Mayor calls on council to pledge more money |url=http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/15043498._Show_more_ambition___Sutton_to_review_tram_extension_funding_as_Mayor_calls_on_council_to_pledge_more_money/ |access-date=1 June 2024 |website=Sutton Guardian}} Khan also noted that a project like a tram extension take a long time to deliver. In October 2017, it was announced that TfL would put £70m towards the extension, funded from a London wide growth fund.{{cite news |last1=White |first1=Anna |date=26 September 2017 |title=Exclusive: Tramlink extension set to bring 10,000 new homes to south-west London as TfL promises £70m to project |url=http://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/property-news/how-southwest-londons-planned-tramlink-extension-is-set-to-transform-south-wimbledon-to-sutton-a114061.html |access-date=27 September 2017 |work=Evening Standard}}

In October 2018, TfL began a further consultation on the Sutton Link, with three potential route options to reach Sutton town centre.{{cite web |date=2018-10-31 |title=Have your say on the Sutton Link: a major new public transport service for Sutton and Merton |url=https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/trams/sutton-link/ |accessdate=2021-02-15 |publisher=Transport for London}}

The consultation indicated that options 1 or 2 would cost £425m as a segregated tram line, but also could be delivered at £275m as a bus rapid transit (BRT) route. Options 1 and 2 also had potential for a direct link at Wimbledon station (with option 2 the easier route) and a potential loop for a direct connection with St Helier Hospital. Option 3 however was only proposed as a tram route, at £300m, with Thameslink services terminating at West Sutton and Wimbledon. Services on the intermediate stations would however be more frequent as a tram service than currently. Work could begin in 2022, with aim for completing in 2025.{{cite web |author=Kituno |first=Nick |date=2018-09-10 |title=Routes for the Wimbledon-Sutton tramlink extension revealed |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/16832779.routes-for-the-wimbledon-sutton-tramlink-extension-revealed/ |accessdate=2021-02-15 |publisher=Your Local Guardian}} Services to Wimbledon regardless of route would however be postponed several years to co-ordinate with Crossrail 2 works, due to the low capacity on tram platforms in the station and to limit disruption.

In 2018, the project was included in the Mayor's Transport Strategy.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=March 2018 |title=The Mayor's Transport Strategy |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/mayors-transport-strategy-2018.pdf |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Mayor of London |page=233 |language=en-GB}} It outlined how a potential tram extension would improve connectivity in south London, enabling the delivery of new homes in Sutton town centre and provide improved connections to employment. In January 2019, Sadiq Khan reaffirmed TfL's support for the scheme, noting that £70m was being spent on developing the project. He expressed concern that there was a funding gap of about £255 million, as TfL was providing 70% of the funding, while Sutton and Merton were contributing 22% and 8% respectively.{{cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Steve |author-link=Steve O'Connell |last2=Sadiq |first2=Khan |author-link2=Sadiq Khan |date=17 January 2019 |title=Questions to the Mayor: Sutton Tram Extension |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/sutton-tram-extension-3 |access-date=3 Feb 2024 |website=London Assembly}}

In April 2019, TfL released the results of the 2018 consultation – which showed strong support for the extension overall. 81% of respondents supported a tram option, with respondents preferring option 1 (65% support or strong support) over option 2 (55% support or strong support) and option 3 (49% support or strong support).{{Cite web |date=February 2020 |title=Sutton Link - Response to issues raised |url=https://insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/sutton-link-responses-to-issues-raised.pdf |access-date=3 Feb 2024 |publisher=Transport for London}}

In February 2020, TfL announced the preferred route of the extension,{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=17 Feb 2020 |title=Transport for London selects preferred route and trams for Sutton Link |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/projects-and-planning/transport-for-london-selects-preferred-route-and-trams-for-sutton-link/55792.article |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}} expressing their support for "Route Option 2 (Colliers Wood – Sutton) operated as a tram service ... assuming we are successful in securing funding to deliver the project".{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Tara |date=2020-02-17 |title=Plan to extend Croydon tram network to Sutton moves a step closer |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/plan-extend-croydon-tram-network-17764833 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=My London |language=en}} The report acknowledged that the BRT option would be cheaper, however the tram was preferred due to the greater transport benefits and greater public support. The report indicated that next steps for the Sutton Link included finalising funding for the project, undertaking detailed design work and acquiring authorisation (a Transport and Works Act Order) to construct, operate and maintain the extension.

It was estimated that the extension would cost around £560 million, with TfL contributing £79 million and Sutton and Merton Council contributing around £36 million – leaving a funding gap of around £440 million.{{cite web |last=Vickers |first=Noah |date=21 April 2023 |title=London minister criticises Sadiq Khan as Mayor confirms Sutton tram extension plan is still shelved |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/sadiq-khan-paul-scully-sutton-tram-ulez-b1075634.html |website=Evening Standard}}

Following the loss of passenger income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TfL announced in July 2020 that the project had been put on hold, as "as the transport case is poor and there remains a significant funding gap".{{cite web |author=Charsley |first=Monica |date=2020-07-29 |title='Kick in the teeth' - TfL pause tram extension to Sutton |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/18615136.kick-teeth---tfl-put-sutton-tram-extension-hold/?ref=ebmpn |accessdate=2021-02-15 |publisher=Your Local Guardian}} Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in making "difficult choices" about funding of projects.{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Tara |date=2020-07-24 |title=Long-awaited tram extension to Sutton has been put on hold |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/long-awaited-tram-extension-sutton-18658837 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=My London |language=en}} Sutton councillor Manuel Abellan called the announcement "a kick in the teeth for our residents", calling for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to fund the extension.

The project was identified in the 2021 London Plan as a key transport scheme, with an indicated medium cost level, and construction within the decade spanning from 2020 to 2030.{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=London Plan 2021 |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/the_london_plan_2021.pdf |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=london.gov.uk |pages=60, 410}}

In April 2023, MP for Sutton and Cheam and Minister for London Paul Scully criticised Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for failing to build the extension, stating that "we need more public transport alternatives" before the Ultra Low Emission Zone is extended to Sutton. Scully also noted that "Sutton has one of the lowest levels per head of transport investment by the Mayor of any London borough". A spokesperson for the Mayor responded by requesting financial support from government towards the tram extension, noting the £440 million funding gap.

In September 2023, TfL announced that it could no longer commit any funding to the scheme, in light of a "weak" business case.{{Cite web |last=Galliven |first=Harrison |date=2023-09-29 |title=TfL admits it can 'no longer fund Sutton tram extension' |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/23820200.tfl-says-can-no-longer-fund-sutton-tram-extension/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Your Local Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-09-30 |title=TfL forced to bin costly £560m tram extension into Sutton |url=https://insidecroydon.com/2023/09/30/tfl-forced-to-bin-costly-560m-tram-extension-into-sutton/ |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=Inside Croydon |language= |quote=Transport for London has binned the proposed Sutton tram extension due to its “weak business case”.}} In November 2023, Mayor Khan expressed willingness to reconsider the tram if funding became available in future.{{Cite web |last=Bertrand |first=Ezekiel |date=2023-11-30 |title=Sutton been 'waiting 20 years' for tram expansion as Mayor urged to rethink plans |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/23953065.sutton-waiting-20-years-tram-expansion/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Your Local Guardian |language=en}} Of the major political parties who took part in the 2024 London mayoral election, only the Green Party manifesto mentioned the Sutton Link.{{Cite web |title=Our Manifesto for London |url=https://london.greenparty.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2024/04/Full-Manifesto.pdf?x16642 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=London Green Party |language=en-GB |quote=Tackle the current Mayor’s backlog of projects, like ... the Tram line to Sutton}} Sutton Council continue to advocate for the tram, with the leader of the Council inviting Mayor Khan to visit the borough.{{Cite web |last=Galliven |first=Harrison |date=2024-05-22 |title=New leader of Sutton Council Barry Lewis invites Sadiq Khan to borough in investment bid |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/new-leader-sutton-council-barry-29208904 |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=mylondon.news |language=en}}

In September 2024, Luke Taylor, the newly elected MP for Sutton and Cheam pledged to advocate for the project. He highlighted the council's ongoing efforts and the support from Liberal Democrats in the London Assembly such as Caroline Pidgeon, who have been urging TfL to reinstate funding for the extension.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Luke |date=2024-09-10 |title=Comment on Sutton News Group Post |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/149669045751159/posts/1483330049051712/?comment_id=1483336705717713 |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=Facebook |language=en}}{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (WP:NOTRS).|date=September 2024}}

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Category:Transport in the London Borough of Merton

Category:Transport in the London Borough of Sutton

Category:Trams in London

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Category:Tramlink