New DLR trains unveiled, serving London City Airport and the rest of the network from 2024
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Transport for London has released images of the new Docklands Light Railway trains which will serve London City Airport, and indeed most of the rest of the DLR network, from 2024.
54 new trains – 43 firm orders and 11 options – have been ordered from a Spanish manufacturer, and the first has just arrived in the UK.
33 of the new trains will be direct replacements for existing ones, whilst the additional 21 (if the option is exercised) will be used to increase frequencies.
Whilst the trains are now arriving in the UK, a substantial testing period means that you will not be able to ride one until early next year. The full roll-out will be complete in 2026.
Some of the red 2007 trains will be retained to run alongside the new fleet. The majority of the trains heading for scrap are approaching 30 years old.
The trains will be walk-through, which means that there will no longer be any forward facing seating except at the very front and back (see image above). The ‘walk through’ design will lead to seating capacity increasing by 10%.
Mobile charging facilities will be available.
Vastly improved real-time travel display information will be available.
There will be three ‘multi use’ areas to increase space for people with mobility impairments – and which can also be used for bikes, luggage and pushchairs – on top of the existing three wheelchair spaces.
There will also be a new seat fabric. The train exteriors will be teal coloured.
PS. Heathrow passengers don’t need to feel left out. New Piccadilly Line underground trains are on the way, although the launch date has been pushed back from 2024 to 2025.
Jill Kinkell 
Carlos 
Rhys 
Coman 
Alan 
Allan Jones 
Margaretet 
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