DLR: TfL running shorter trains between Stratford International and Woolwich Arsenal

Transport for London (DLR) has confirmed it is running shorter trains on some Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services while trains are replaced.

A total of 54 new DLR trains are being made by Spanish firm Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF). They will be introduced over the next two years, with 33 of the older existing trains coming out of service.

TfL confirmed in a newsletter on Thursday (March 28), that since February 6 it has introduced changes "on some routes".

A two-car service is running between Woolwich Arsenal and Stratford International on weekdays, with train frequencies and timetables unchanged.

The newsletter said: "This will allow us to better protect the existing fleet and ensure that customers can continue to receive a regular and reliable service over the next two years, as we introduce 54 new state-of-the-art DLR trains, 33 of which will replace the oldest trains in the fleet and the remainder used to boost capacity and meet growing demand across the DLR network.

"These new trains feature spacious walk-through carriages, live travel information, air conditioning, improved accessibility features and mobile device charging points.

"When the new trains are rolled out, they will gradually replace the older trains in the DLR fleet, which will help us to improve the frequency and reliability of services and restore capacity."

The statement continued: "We are carefully monitoring any changes to ensure we keep running the best possible service. We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause you."

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Announcing the 54 new trains in July 2023, Seb Dance, deputy mayor for transport, said: “More than 90 million journeys are made each year on the DLR. It is the busiest light railway in the UK and these new DLR trains will provide Londoners with more frequent, reliable and comfortable journeys from 2024.

“Each train will feature 10% more capacity and also provide better facilities for those with mobility impairments.

"The DLR is a vital transport option for east London and the Docklands area and these upgrades will support new jobs and homes in the area, helping to make London a greener, fairer and more prosperous city for all.”