20.11.17
TfL opens bidding for 43 new DLR trains
Transport for London (TfL) has taken a step forward in its search for a manufacturer to provide 43 new trains for Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
Plans will see the capacity on the line increase by as much as 30%, with new walk-through trains replacing stock that could be as much as 25 years old.
The four qualified bidders are Alstom Transport UK Ltd, Bombardier Transportation, CAF, and a consortium consisting of Siemens PLC, Stadler Bussang AG and Stadler Rail Valencia SAU – all of which can now proceed to the next stage of the formal procurement process.
The new stock – set to come into service in 2022 – will feature on-board real-time information, air-conditioning, and mobile device charging points for the first time.
Jonathan Fox, TfL’s director of rail and sponsored services, commented: “This important step in the procurement process brings us closer to delivering the new trains needed to support the continued passenger growth on the DLR, which currently carries 122 million customers a year.
“These new trains will enable us to increase capacity on the network by up to 30%, significantly improving the comfort, reliability and quality of our service for customers. They will also support the creation of further jobs and homes in the Docklands area.”
The contract for new stock will be awarded in 2018 and plans are included as part of mayor Sadiq Khan’s draft Transport Strategy.
The DLR also plans to provide several interchanges with Elizabeth Line services between central London, Shenfield and Abbey Wood from 2018. These interchange stations include Canary Wharf, West India Quay, Stratford and Custom House.
Top image: TfL
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