Background
DLR trains
have changed significantly over the last 20 years. The size of the fleet continues to grow to
meet increasing demand and serve an expanding railway.
In 1987
DLR operated with a fleet of 11 vehicles, with another 10 added by May
1990. These replaced with 70 new rail
cars in 1991 and the original 21 vehicles were sold. The new vehicles were bought to serve the
existing railway and the new extension to Bank (1991), Beckton (1994) and
Lewisham (1999). Another 24 were added
to serve the London City Airport extension (2005). Since this point DLR has continue to grow and
expand. The fleet of 94 vehicles were
refurbished in 2008, as most were due for mid-life maintenance. The interiors were refreshed with new
features added like on-train CCTV systems added. The external livery was updated to the blue
and aqua TfL branding on a red background.
New trains
In 2007
DLR (with funding assistance from the Olympic Delivery Authority) placed an
order for 55 new trains to begin operating 3-car trains between Bank and
Lewisham, open the new Stratford International extension and to run enhanced
services during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The first of the latest vehicles entered
service in September 2008 and the 55th vehicle was received in June 2010. These new vehicles feature larger windows and
fully glazed doors. They also feature
improved braking, acceleration and more leg room for passengers seated inside.