01.07.06
DLR Olympic train order
Source: Rail Technology Magazine June/July 2006
Docklands Light Railway (DLR), part of Transport for London (TfL), has ordered 31 new rail carriages from Bombardier for the extended Stratford International station.
The carriages, which will cost £50 million, are being funded by TfL’s £10 billion Investment Programme and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), and form the first contract signed using funding sourced jointly from TfL and the ODA. The purchase is a continuation of an order for 24 vehicles which was placed last year.
Ken Livingstone, mayor of London, said: “These new carriages represent the delivery of a vital investment in London’s transport infrastructure. They will play a key role on transporting passengers to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and will provide East London with an improved service able to respond to increasing demand as the area continues to be transformed by sustained development and the extension of new homes and businesses.”
Jonathan Fox, director of DLR, added: “This order confirms that our preparations are well underway to accommodate Olympic demand and the millions of new passengers we will welcome onto the network over the next few years.
“Thanks to TfL’s £10 billion Investment Programme, and financial support from the ODA, Olympic spectators will benefit from a frequent service in and around competition venues while our passengers will enjoy increased train capacity and regularity in the run up to 2012 and beyond.”
Delivery of the order is scheduled between autumn 2008 and winter 2009, with the carriages expected to be operational by 2009, following testing. The Stratford International extension is set to open in 2010, encompassing existing stations at Royal Victoria, Canning Town, West Ham, Stratford Regional and Stratford International, along with new stations at Star Lane, Abbey Road and Stratford High Street. The route will act as a key transportation link during the Olympic Games.
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