01.05.06
Transport for London claim fails
Transport for London (TfL) has failed in a legal action brought against Tramtrack Croydon Ltd. (TCL).
The South London tram system, operated by TCL, is designed to carry up to 28 million passengers, but currently carries just 22 million. The case was intended to increase the capacity of the network by lengthening existing trams or adding additional ones.
In the High Court case, Judge Justice Tomlinson ruled that TCL should be free to exercise its professional judgement to determine how best to maintain the existing network’s standards of efficiency and reliability.
Justice Tomlinson described TfL’s approach to the contract as “flawed”, adding it was based on a “hopelessly uncommercial construction [which] cannot possibly be intended”, which he described as “absorbed”.
Tramtrack Croydon’s Managing Director, Paul Davison, said, “We felt it was important to establish as correct our interpretation of the contract with TfL. An adverse ruling would have had serious implications for all those investing through PPP initiatives – such as those involved in the London Underground – as it would have cast doubt on the terms of their agreements, increased their risks and reduced their capacity to invest in infrastructure.
“We now look forward to working more closely with TfL to continue to deliver to our customers a successful and efficient tram service and hop to foster a relationship with TfL based on trust and cooperation rather than litigation.”
The issue of costs is yet to be addressed
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