17.05.17
TfL starts search for supplier of new DLR trains
TfL has today announced that it has begun its hunt to find a supplier to build the “new generation” of Dockland Light Rail (DLR) trains.
The new carriages will be rolled out from 2022 and will increase capacity on the DLR by over 30%. TfL also said that the new rolling stock will be more reliable, give customers real-time travel information, be air conditioned and feature charging points for mobile devices.
A third of the existing trains, some of which are 25-years-old, will be replaced by the new trains, and TfL will also order 10 new trains to increase capacity.
The new carriages come during a period of significant redevelopment for the Docklands area, where up to 36,500 jobs are being made alongside the construction of 7,000 new homes.
And passenger use is also set to grow as the DLR will link with Elizabeth Line from 2018, as services between central London, Shenfield and Abbey Wood will interchange with the DLR at several stations where new platforms and ticket halls are under construction.
Danny Price, TfL’s director of DLR, said: “These new trains will enable us to increase capacity on the DLR by 30%, significantly improving the comfort, reliability and quality of our service for customers.”
“Ordering them now ensures that we get the best value for money in the long term and can support continuing growth in east London,” he added. “We intend to go out to tender later this year with the new trains entering service from 2022.”
Top Image: TfL
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