Docklands Light Railway: Rollout of new trains delayed

Docklands Light Railway (DLR) trains that were due to be introduced in April will not be ready until later this year.

The Transport for London (TfL) commissioner’s report for June says 30 new DLR trains have been built but have “experienced some challenges” during testing.

A total of 54 are due to enter service over the next three years, some replacing trains that have been operating since the 1990s.

TfL said it had encountered some “complex challenges” but said it was still on track to introduce all 54 new DLR trains by 2026.

Arran Rusling, TfL’s head of programme for DLR rolling stock replacement, said: “Our programme of rigorous testing continues of the new DLR fleet to ensure the trains can enter service safely and reliably.

“As part of this we encountered some complex challenges, which means we will introduce the new trains into passenger service later this year.”

He added: “We are still on track to introduce all 54 of these new trains in passenger service by 2026, delivering a range of customer benefits including improved reliability and increased capacity across the DLR network.”