Passengers won’t be able to ride the new DLR trains until later this year, as investigations into braking problems continue.
A couple of weeks after the first of the new trains came into service last year, a problem occurred when one of the trains overshot its stopping point. Three of the fleet of 54 new trains had entered service, so all three were removed while the braking issue was investigated.
The investigation remains ongoing with the manufacturer’s supply chain and the relevant regulators, but TfL’s initial findings indicate a combination of factors contributed to the issue.
Since then, engineers have been working to introduce a package of improvements, including braking software upgrades to improve performance under the specific low-rail adhesion conditions experienced during the incident.
The changes are now being tested on the manufacturer’s test track before further testing on the DLR network.
Testing will mean some DLR line closures over the next few months, so you might see the new trains back out on the line, but not carrying passengers.
(The first line closure affecting access to the Beckton depot where the new trains will be stored is 19th April)
TfL says that further details of the reintroduction of the trains into passenger service will be provided in the spring.
As the existing DLR trains are pushing the limits of how long they can remain in service, TfL needs to carefully manage them so they can stay in service longer than expected.
They continue to incorporate the temporary service reductions to Beckton introduced in July 2025. They also made targeted service reductions during the Christmas, New Year and February school holiday periods, when demand is generally lower, to Stratford-
Lewisham services in order to manage the mileage of the existing fleet. While no further service or timetable reductions are currently planned, TfL warns that it might need to consider other measures in the coming months, depending on the timeline for reintroducing new trains.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer, said: “We know customers are looking forward to travelling on these new trains, and we will provide a further update in the spring, with the trains being reintroduced by summer. Our engineers, together with CAF and our franchisee KeolisAmey Docklands, have worked tirelessly to ensure they return safely and reliably. We are confident customers will welcome the extra space, improved accessibility, real‑time travel information and air‑conditioning these trains provide.”
