Transport for London (TFL) announced on October 1 that the first 54 trains of five cars provided by CAF for the Decklands (DLR), a 40 km meter meter that serves 45 stations in east and southeast London.
TFL ordered the new trains in June 2019, including 33 to replace the oldest members of the DLR fleet, the B90 trains over 30 years old. In addition, when all the new 54 trains are in the service, TFL says it will increase the capacity by more than 50 % on the DLR network, which holds more than 90 million passengers annually.
The new CAF fleet, which was expected to enter the service in April of last year, underwent intensive tests to ensure a smooth transmission of passengers, as TFL provided a temporary schedule for DLR in June where the B90 trains that reached the end of their working life were pulled. With more new trains enter the service, the full schedule will be restored, says TFL, as it provides more frequent services over the network.
The new fleet will continue in the coming months, and it will replace the full B90 fleet expected by the end of 2026. Other new trains will be presented as soon as possible to boost the capacity, says TFL.
The new CAF trains provide 10 % more than the current DLR fleet, which includes full corridors between cars between cars, air conditioning, passenger information systems that display live travel information, and shipping points for mobile devices. There will be three multi -use regions for chairs, bicycles and luggage for each train, and three spaces for wheelchairs.
The new fleet forms of the broader investment program are supported by government financing. This includes 260 million pounds from the Housing Infrastructure Fund, while recognizing the role DLR plays in stimulating new residential development, and a loan of 500 million pounds from the National Wealth Fund established by the treasury.
London Airport also contributed more than 5 million pounds to the cost of new trains, as DLR promotion is in line with its commitment to sustainable transport, according to TFL.
“Thanks to DLR, the vast majority of our passengers already choose sustainable public transport to reach us,” says Alison Fitzgerald, CEO of London City.
“Promoting ability and improving reliability, these new trains will help keep up with the growing demand in this part of the capital,” says Andy Lord, London Transport Commissioner.
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