History
Like many modern tram systems, most of the length of Tramlink route 1 on the Tramlink is built on disused railway alignments. British Rail, and their successors Connex South Central and Connex South Eastern, had run two un-profitable shuttle services along branch lines, one being a remnant of the Mid-Kent Line between Elmers End and Addiscombe, calling at Woodside operated by Connex South Eastern and the other being a service between West Croydon and Wimbledon on the former Surrey Iron Railway alignment, operated by Connex South Central. Both services ceased in the summer 1997 timetable to allow Tramlink construction to take place, and in the event were re-opened after almost exactly three years, with a much more frequent tram service.
In 1839 the London and Croydon Railway was opened, running to what is now West Croydon, and branching off from the London and Greenwich Railway near Bermondsey. In 1841 the London and Brighton Railway, constructed a line branching off in Croydon, and becoming the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway in 1846. Branching off this in turn, at Redhill, was the Redhill to Tonbridge Line, from 1844.
Read more about this topic: Tramlink Route 1
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