The new DLR trains have walkthrough carriages, air conditioning and live travel information
The first of 54 new DLR trains has re-entered service today, 11 months after a braking fault led to their withdrawal. The fleet’s rollout began last October, but this was halted when a train failed to stop in the correct position at Canning Town station during rainy weather on November 12.
Transport for London said it has vigorously tested the services since then to ensure the fault does not recur. The state-of-the-art trains will include walk-through carriages, air conditioning, live travel information and have dedicated wheelchair spaces.
These changes will increase capacity on the line by 10 per cent. Transport bosses say this boost will support further growth in Stratford, Woolwich and the Isle of Dogs.
Since the new DLR services were withdrawn, TfL said braking systems have been improved, and work has been carried out to improve performance during wet weather. The phased reintroduction of the fleet will begin on the Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal route, and gradually expand to the rest of the network.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer, said: “We’re pleased that the first of our new DLR trains has returned to customer service following the completion of a thorough programme of modifications, testing and assurance.
“Safety is always our top priority, and we took the decision to remove the trains from service as a precaution while we worked with CAF to investigate the issue and implement a solution.
“I apologise for the delay in reintroducing the trains but am pleased this marks an important milestone in delivering a modern new fleet for the DLR. As we begin the phased reintroduction of the trains, customers will start to benefit from more spacious and accessible journeys, while we continue to monitor performance and introduce further trains into service.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: “This is an exciting day for east and south London, as the first new state-of-the-art DLR train enters service.
“These modern new trains are fantastic and will transform travel for millions of Londoners, significantly improving comfort, accessibility and reliability. The additional capacity will also support further growth, particularly in parts of the Royal Docks and the Isle of Dogs where the DLR is the most-used mode of transport, supporting new jobs and homes.
“I’m committed to modernising London’s transport infrastructure, which is vital to delivering quicker, greener and safer journeys that are accessible to all.”
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