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Way back in 2023, Transport for London tantalisingly unveiled shiny new trains with modern features and yes, even air con, for the Docklands Light Railway. But a series of technical problems meant the project kept getting pushed back, and at one point it was ‘delayed indefinitely’.
Today (October 1), however, there’s finally a positive update. This week the new-look trains will officially start to be rolled out.
It hasn’t been an easy few months for DLR users. When old carriages were taken out of use, travellers on the driverless network connecting south to east had to make do with a reduced service and shorter trains.
The oldest 54 trains in the DLR’s fleet, some of which have been in service for more than three decades, have been replaced with modern, higher-capacity carriages. Alongside air conditioning, there will be bigger walkways through the carriages, charging points, three wheelchair spaces for better accessibility, live travel information and 10 percent more capacity compared to the previous trains.
There’s also a ‘multi-use area’ to store buggies, bikes and luggage, which is handy for those heading to the swish London City Airport. And don’t worry: you’ll still be able to sit at the front of the train and pretend you’re driving it.
The full replacement of the older fleet will be complete by the end of 2026. TfL said this will increase the overall capacity of the DLR by 50 percent. Here’s what the new trains look like in action.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: ‘This is an exciting day in east and south London with the introduction of these brand-new trains marking a major milestone in the transformation of the DLR to improve travel for millions of Londoners.
‘The new DLR trains will significantly improve reliability and support growth in new homes and jobs, particularly for Londoners in areas like Stratford, Woolwich Arsenal and the Isle of Dogs. I’m committed to modernising infrastructure on London’s transport network, which is vital for faster, greener and safer journeys that are accessible for all.’
London’s transport commissioner Andy Lord said: ‘These state-of-the-art trains will transform customers’ journeys across the DLR network.’
New trains are part of much wider plans for the DLR. TfL is working behind the scenes on a proposed extension of the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead.
ICYMI: The Piccadilly line’s new trains have been delayed.
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