The Docklands Light Railway has turned a corner in its history, with the first of 54 brand-new trains officially entering service across east and south-east London.
TfL hailed the launch as the beginning of a “modern, high-capacity” era for the network, which has been in operation since 1987 and is now carrying more passengers than ever before.
A long-awaited upgrade on the DLR
The arrival of the new fleet marks the most significant change to the DLR in decades. TfL originally expected the trains to arrive in April 2024, but delays pushed back their launch and even forced a reduced timetable over summer.
With the rollout finally underway, the authority has confirmed that all 54 trains will be in service by the end of 2026, increasing overall DLR capacity by more than 50%.
The fresh carriages are replacing the oldest trains, many of which have been running for over 30 years. According to TfL, the new design is all about future-proofing a system that connects some of London’s fastest-growing areas, from Stratford to Woolwich Arsenal and the Isle of Dogs.
Air-conditioned trains and charging points on the new DLR trains
For the first time, DLR users will experience fully air-conditioned carriages, on-board charging points for phones and laptops, and live travel information displays.
Walk-through carriages make navigation easier, while new multi-use areas provide flexible space for wheelchairs, pushchairs, bicycles, and luggage.
Compared with the current fleet, the new models offer 10% more capacity, a crucial improvement as east London continues to expand with new housing developments.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan praised the launch, describing the upgrade as “amazing” and “an exciting day in east and south London.” He added:
“These 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 our network so that transport is faster, greener and safer for everyone.”
Looking ahead – the Thamesmead extension
The upgrades feed into a wider picture of TfL’s ambitions for the Docklands. Over the summer, TfL launched a second consultation on plans to extend the DLR across the River Thames, linking Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside.
The project would see the creation of two new stations Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront connected by a newly built tunnel under the Thames.
TfL estimates the extension would transform journey times, cutting routes from Thamesmead to Stratford to 25 minutes, and reaching Tottenham Court Road in just 35 minutes.
Subject to funding and planning approval, construction could start in the late 2020s, paving the way for services in the early 2030s.
Almost 40 years after its opening, the network’s future looks even brighter with the launch of this fleet. Once all 54 trains are in operation, east Londoners can expect a more comfortable, reliable, and spacious way to travel.
