Passengers on the Docklands Light Railway can expect the return of its new trains by late summer, as Transport for London (TfL) and manufacturer CAF continue to make solid progress on detailed investigations, testing and assurance.
The trains were taken out of service in late 2025 after a single incident in which one unit stopped beyond the platform, the only occurrence of its kind since the fleet was introduced. Prioritising safety, Transport for London withdrew all three trains as a precaution and worked closely with CAF to determine the cause.
Engineers have since developed a package of improvements, including braking software enhancements to strengthen performance in low rail adhesion conditions.
These updates are being trialled at CAF’s test facility ahead of further testing on the Docklands Light Railway network, which may involve temporary closures.
When fully rolled out, the modern, walk-through trains will replace the oldest vehicles, boost capacity by more than 50 per cent and deliver more comfortable, accessible and dependable journeys.
“We know customers are looking forward to travelling on these new trains, and we will provide a further update in the spring, with the trains being reintroduced by summer. Our engineers, together with CAF and our franchisee KeolisAmey Docklands, have worked tirelessly to ensure they return safely and reliably. We are confident customers will welcome the extra space, improved accessibility, real‑time travel information and air‑conditioning these trains provide.”
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer.
Responses
How about a colour change prior to launch to the blue now being worn on some DLR staff jackets to both signify they are not the failed first launch trains and also now that DLR blue has been hijacked by a political party unchallenged.