Following infrastructure upgrade work the first three-carriage trains were operated on the Docklands Light Railway on Tuesday 23rd February. Services on the Bank to Lewisham route are the first to gain benefit with an extra carriage (obviously by extra carriage it means extra unit) being added to services providing 50% more capacity.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “'As the Olympics approaches, the DLR has struck gold with a huge 50 per cent increase in capacity - the perfect example of the Olympic legacy already delivering real improvements for Londoners. This £325m boost is not only integral to preparations for ferrying spectators to the 2012 games, but it will also benefit the many thousands of people who use this popular and handy railway.”
A £325 million two and a half year programme has taken place across the DLR network to allow these longer trains to run. This investment has included lengthened platforms, a new £22 million South Quay station, upgraded track and infrastructure, a £13 million upgrade to Tower Gateway station and the purchase of an extra 55 trains.
Jonathan Fox, Director DLR, said: “'Today marks another major milestone for DLR and its passengers as our network is further enhanced and improved. With three-car trains being rolled out on the Bank-Lewisham line, and the Stratford International extension set to open later this year, we are in great shape to meet passenger demand now and over the course of the next few years.”
Three car trains will be rolled out across the rest of the network as demand requires. Currently all sections of the DLR but the Canning Town to Beckton route (which will be completed in 2011) are capable of allowing three car trains to operate.
Source: Transport for London)