London commuters are in for a major upgrade. The first of 54 brand-new DLR trains has officially entered service this week, marking a fresh chapter for the Docklands Light Railway.
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed the new fleet is designed to “significantly improve reliability, capacity and comfort for customers.”
The £260 million investment from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, a £500 million loan from the National Wealth Fund, and £5 million from London City Airport combine to deliver one of the biggest modernization projects in the DLR’s history.
Modern Comfort, Smarter Travel
These new DLR trains are designed with passengers in mind. Each bone is completely walk-through, air-conditioned, and equipped with live trip information and mobile charging points.
There are multi-use spaces for pushchairs, bikes, and luggage, alongside devoted wheelchair areas to ensure availability for everyone.
Passengers can anticipate smoother lifts, shorter delays, and a far more comfortable trip through East and South London.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called the launch a “major milestone” for the capital: “The new DLR trains will significantly improve reliability and support growth in new homes and jobs, particularly for Londoners in areas like Stratford, Woolwich Arsenal and the Isle of Dogs.
I’m committed to modernizing infrastructure on London’s transport network, which is vital for faster, greener, and safer journeys that are accessible for all.”
He added: “This is an exciting day in east and south London with the introduction of these brand-new trains marking a major milestone in the transformation of the DLR to improve travel for millions of Londoners.”
TfL expects the network’s overall capacity to rise by further than 50 formerly all 54 trains are completely in service.
Replacing the Old, Building the Future
Some of the DLR’s current trains have been running for more than 30 years. TfL began phasing them out in June, using a temporary timetable while introducing the new fleet.
The full relief is due to be completed by the end of 2026, bringing in a completely upgraded, dependable system for one of London’s busiest automated railroads.
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “These state-of-the-art trains will transform customers’ journeys across the DLR network.
Boosting capacity and improving reliability, these new trains will help the DLR keep pace with growing demand in this part of the capital. Customers will benefit from more comfortable, frequent, and accessible services.”
With cleaner design, better technology, and improved accessibility, the new DLR trains are more than just a transport upgrade, they represent London’s ongoing push toward a smarter, greener, and more connected city.
