Transport for London (TfL) has admitted that there have been ‘challenges’ when testing its new DLR trains. The new stock is due to be introduced by the end of the year.
In documents for the next meeting of the authority’s board, set for June 12, officials also describe changes to works on three DLR routes. These are needed if the new carriages are to run smoothly.
Further, a new entrance at an East London station are now part-complete. Papers stated: “To date, 30 new DLR trains have been built and are in various stages of testing. Work continues to prepare for the first train in revenue service later this year.
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“Key to this will be the integrated testing and operational proving phase. While we have experienced some challenges with this phase, we continue to work collaboratively with our suppliers and operator to mitigate this.”
Power works on three routes
They added: “Works are progressing well to construct the new sidings at Beckton Depot and we expect these to be ready for use in the summer. We have completed power works on three routes of the DLR to enable the new trains to operate and works to construct a second entrance at Blackwall Station have progressed with the piling now complete.
“We have now also issued the tender for the design and build of the further expansion to the sidings at Beckton Depot. This is required to stable the additional 11 trains funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Homes and Communities. Enabling works on site have now commenced for this work.”
It comes after TfL provided an update on when its new DLR trains will be rolled out, suggesting that this could be done as late as December. The authority has said that the new stock is ‘set to start to be introduced by the end of 2024’.
The rollout is thought to be slightly delayed, with the first new train originally due to be introduced in March. All 54 of them are forecast to be in service by the summer of 2026.
In an email to customers on March 28, officials said that they had shortened the length of trains operating on some routes to tow cars.
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