New DLR Trains Enter Service Across East and South London

The first of 54 new Docklands Light Railway (DLR) trains have entered service, marking the start of a fleet replacement programme intended to improve capacity and reliability on one of London’s busiest transport networks.

The introduction of the new trains is the most significant upgrade to the DLR in over three decades. The new fleet is replacing some of the system’s oldest rolling stock, which has been in operation since the late 1980s.

The new trains have undergone months of testing and are entering service gradually, with further units to follow in the coming months. TfL has said that the full timetable, which was reduced earlier this year during the retirement of older trains, will be restored as the rollout continues.

Each train has been designed to provide a more comfortable and accessible journey for passengers. Key features include:

• Walk-through carriages with 10 per cent more space than current models
• Air conditioning to improve onboard comfort
• Real-time travel updates and charging points for mobile devices
• Three multi-use areas suitable for pushchairs, bicycles, and luggage
• Dedicated wheelchair spaces to improve accessibility

When all 54 trains are in service, overall capacity on the DLR will increase by more than 50 percent. The rollout is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.