Video: TfL’s new DLR trains complete first weekend of tests

Testing has begun on the new fleet of Docklands Light Railway (DLR) trains, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed, with commuters to start seeing their eye-catching turquoise design being tried out “between regular services” later this year.

A total of 54 new trains will enter service between 2024 and 2026, 33 of which will replace the DLR’s oldest rolling stock. The other 21 will be used to boost capacity across the network.

The new trains will feature a host of improvements, including real-time travel information displays, air conditioning and mobile device charging points.

After visiting the trains in Beckton in February, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The DLR is a vital transport option for parts of our city, contributing to making the capital a more accessible place to live, work and visit as well as supporting new jobs and homes.

“With over 90 million journeys made each year it is currently the busiest light railway in the UK and its modernisation forms a key part of my vision to make London a greener, fairer and more prosperous city for all.”

TfL has now confirmed it has been testing the new B23 DLR trains on the network over the last few weeks.

The most recent round of testing took place last weekend (April 1 and 2), when it tested the signalling integration on the line.

Arran Rusling, TfL’s head of programme for the DLR Rolling Stock Replacement Programme, said: “We have just completed our first weekend of signalling integration testing for the new B23 DLR train, which was very successful overall. Testing of the new trains will continue both in the evenings during engineering hours and during planned closures at weekends.

“Later this year customers will start to see this train being tested between regular services, with it easily identified by its new teal colour livery and specially designed train wrap.”

The DLR runs through six “opportunity areas” in London, said TfL, which have the potential to deliver more than 124,000 homes and 200,000 jobs.

TfL added the additional train capacity will be “essential” to support growth in these areas, especially in parts of the Royal Docks and the Isle of Dogs, where DLR is a key mode of transport.