"For all the excitement among transport enthusiasts, the average DLR passenger just wants a train that turns up, takes them where they need to go, and does so without fuss. A quick glance around, a small moment of curiosity ("Hmm, this feels a bit different"), and then it's back to the morning routine - newspaper, phone, or a quick nap."
"However, that reliability has been tested in recent months. Delays in compliance approvals and issues with the signalling systems meant the new trains took longer than expected to arrive, forcing the ageing fleet to soldier on beyond its comfort zone. But now, at long last, reinforcements are here. Well, one of them, anyway. This first train is the vanguard of a 54-strong fleet now being prepared at Beckton Depot."
"The inaugural service drew an early-morning crowd ranging from die-hard DLR fans, including at least one very young fan who set their alarm to catch the 5:30am departure, to clusters of DLR staff seeing the culmination of years of work to get to this moment. And, of course, countless bleary-eyed commuters just trying to get to work."
A new DLR train entered passenger service today as the first unit of a 54-train order. Most passengers reacted indifferently, reflecting a preference for reliable, familiar, and unobtrusive transit. Recent months brought delays caused by compliance approvals and signalling issues that postponed the fleet arrival and extended service of ageing trains. The new units are being prepared at Beckton Depot and must accumulate reliability miles before passenger clearance, so the rollout will be gradual. The order includes 32 replacement trains and 22 additional units to expand capacity and shorten waiting times. The new livery is fully DLR turquoise, aligning with network branding.
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