11.05.15
TfL considers new rolling stock options for DLR
Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Ltd is to begin its search for new trains by opening a “technical dialogue” with rolling stock manufacturers.
The TfL subsidiary has issued a periodic indicative notice to the industry to begin a consultation on a possible new generation of rolling stock for automated light metro.
The document states that additional stock is required to meet the rising demand, as forecasts say the current 8% annual growth in passenger numbers is set to continue. DLR is also considering using the new stock to retire the existing 94-strong fleet of B92 light rail vehicles (LRVs).
According to the notice, the new design is to be a fixed length (86.4m), as opposed to the current three-car sets. In addition to being a fixed formation, walkthrough train, it wants the new design to have wide open gangways between carriages, minimised energy consumption, driverless operation and very high reliability.
Longitudinal metro seating, as used on Tube and Overground carriages, rather than the current bus-like rows, is said to be preferred. An increase in the size of the doors from 20% of the vehicle side to 30% is also being examined.
DLR said it was “likely” it would place an order for between 40 and 50 new trains.
“This is not a stage in a formal competitive process, and it is not the purpose of this dialogue to procure any part of the solution,” DLR has written in the notice.
“Rather, the purpose is to provide DLR Ltd with information on what is available and being developed in the marketplace to allow DLR Ltd to develop a strategic solution.”
(Image source: TfL)
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