New Docklands Light Railway trains will finally return to service by late summer, Transport for London has announced – but parts of the network will need to be closed at times so further tests can take place.
Three of the new B23 trains started running on the Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal route in September last year, but they were taken out of service in November after one overshot a station platform.
TfL said that engineers had made “significant progress” in identifying the cause of the problem. Braking software will be upgraded to improve performance when the track is slippery. These are currently being tested on the Spanish manufacturer CAF’s test track before further testing is carried on the DLR network.
Some 54 trains will eventually be introduced on the DLR, replacing carriages dating back to 1991, and increasing capacity on the network by 50 per cent.
The rollout of the new trains had already been hit by delays when they were taken out of service.
They had been on test since 2023, but many of the trains had to be stored in Spain for an extended period because the contractor in charge of expanding the network’s depot in Beckton collapsed.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s chief capital officer, said: “We know customers are looking forward to travelling on these new trains, and we will provide a further update in the spring, with the trains being reintroduced by summer.
“Our engineers, together with CAF and our franchisee KeolisAmey Docklands, have worked tirelessly to ensure they return safely and reliably. We are confident customers will welcome the extra space, improved accessibility, real‑time travel information and air‑conditioning these trains provide.”
Passengers have been asked to check TfL’s journey planner or the TfL Go app before they travel for details of closures.
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