Tram managers may sue over fares

TfL said they were "confident" the issues would be resolved

Croydon tram bosses are considering taking Transport for London (TfL) to court amid claims they have lost millions over fare charges.

Tramtrack Croydon said in the first four years that TfL took over the fares policy it lost up to 8m passengers costing the company millions.

TfL has been in charge of setting tram and bus fares across London since 2000.

Tramtrack said because some bus fares were reduced they lost out. TfL said it hoped to resolve the issue.

Roger Harding, general manager for Tramtrack, said when TfL took over they were losing up to two million passengers each year up until 2004 and were claiming compensation.

'Good case'

"At the time some bus fares became significantly cheaper and we lost passengers, we had to restructure our finances and the losses ran into millions," he told BBC News.

"Since 2004 bus and tram fares have evened out and we have won passengers back but we still want some kind of compensation for how much we lost and the fact we had to restructure our finances."

Mr Harding said the company wanted more consultation with TfL over fare charges.

"We think we've got a good case and are due to meet with TfL on Tuesday to discuss the matter," he said.

A TfL spokesman said: "We are aware of the issues Tramtrack have raised and in no way do these issues impinge on the efficiency of the service.

"We're very confident that the issues the company are disputing with us will be resolved."