The first of a fleet of 54 new trains for the Docklands Light Railway has gone into service.

The five-car trains, built for Transport for London by CAF at Beasain in Spain, have been delayed by more than a year because of compatibility problems with the DLR’s existing control systems, but TfL said it now expected the full fleet to be in service by the end of next year.

The air-conditioned trains include TfL’s standard ‘walk through’ layout, and offer 10 per cent more capacity. They have also been fitted with charging points and three wheelchair spaces.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: ‘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.

‘These new trains are amazing. Built with the latest cutting-edge design and technology, the trains will have mobile device charging points, air conditioning and better accessibility features for all passengers.

‘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.’

Transport commissioner Andy Lord added: ’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.’

The trains are arriving as the DLR prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in a couple of years from now. The first lines opened in August 1987, and the new system was the second modern light railway to open in Britain, following the Tyne & Wear Metro seven years earlier.

However, the DLR was the first to run without drivers and the trains have no conventional cabs, although a member of staff can take charge of a train by opening a control panel if necessary. 

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