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| A debut at dawn. TfL Image - New DLR train |
At last! The new Docklands Light Railway B23 rolling stock, manufactured by CAF, finally entered passenger service on 30th September 2025.
Here is the press release from Transport for London (TfL):
🎥 Drone view of the new B23 DLR train. Video by TfL ⦵ New trains now in service bring more space, air con, live updates and better access. The 54-train rollout will boost capacity by 50% and support new homes and jobs. Backed by government and partners, Transport for London plans further upgrades.
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 8:38 AM
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First of 54 brand-new DLR trains enters service on capital’s transport network this week
New trains will help to transform millions of journeys across east and south London with cutting-edge design and technology
Investment in vital transport infrastructure will support thousands of new homes and jobs in London’s fastest-growing areas which rely on access to the DLR
Packed with customer-friendly features including walk-through carriages, air conditioning, real-time travel updates, and mobile charging points
First of 54 brand-new DLR trains enters service on capital’s transport network this week
New trains will help to transform millions of journeys across east and south London with cutting-edge design and technology
Investment in vital transport infrastructure will support thousands of new homes and jobs in London’s fastest-growing areas which rely on access to the DLR
Packed with customer-friendly features including walk-through carriages, air conditioning, real-time travel updates, and mobile charging points
Each of the new state-of-the-art DLR trains feature the latest technology and are designed to significantly improve reliability, capacity and comfort for customers.
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| TfL Image - New DLR train priority area |
Key features include:
Spacious walk-through carriages with 10 per cent more capacity compared to the current trains
Air-conditioning for improved comfort
Live travel information and mobile device charging points
Three multi-use areas for pushchairs, bicycles, and luggage
Three dedicated wheelchair spaces to improve accessibility
The trains will continue to roll out over the coming months. Once all 54 new trains are operational, overall capacity on the DLR will increase by more than 50 per cent. The full replacement of the older fleet is expected by the end of 2026, with additional new trains introduced as quickly as possible to further boost capacity.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This is an exciting day in east and south London with the introduction of these brand-new trains marking a major milestone in the transformation of the DLR to improve travel for millions of Londoners.
“These new trains are amazing. Built with the latest cutting-edge design and technology, the trains will have 10 per cent bigger capacity, improved onboard customer information, mobile device charging points, air conditioning and better accessibility features for all passengers.
“The new DLR trains will significantly improve reliability and support growth in new homes and jobs, particularly for Londoners in areas like Stratford, Woolwich Arsenal and the Isle of Dogs. I’m committed to modernising infrastructure on London’s transport network, which is vital for faster, greener and safer journeys that are accessible for all.”
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “These state-of-the-art trains will transform customers’ journeys across the DLR network. Boosting capacity and improving reliability, these new trains will help the DLR keep pace with growing demand in this part of the capital. Customers will benefit from more comfortable, frequent, and accessible services.”
The new trains have undergone extensive testing to ensure a smooth transition for customers. TfL introduced a temporary timetable in June 2025 to retire aging trains that had reached the end of their operational life. As more new trains enter service, the full timetable will be restored bringing more frequent services across the network.
Richard Graham, Managing Director of KeolisAmey Docklands, said: “We are proud to support Transport for London in introducing this new fleet and are excited to be operating and maintaining it over the coming years.
“For passengers, these trains mean more space, comfort and reliability. For our people, they provide the latest tools and technology to keep the DLR running safely and smoothly every day. Above all, this investment is about unlocking the potential of east London – helping its communities thrive as new homes, jobs and opportunities are created. We look forward to playing our part in delivering that growth together with TfL.”
Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, said: "London City Airport is proud to be the closest airport for more than half of Londoners, and thanks to the DLR, the vast majority of our passengers already choose sustainable public transport to reach us. "We were pleased to make a contribution towards this upgrade, which will improve the experience for our passengers, and showcase London at its best to international visitors. It also supports the continued growth of east London, helping to deliver jobs, investment and opportunity for local communities.”
Richard Garner, UK Director for CAF, said: “CAF is immensely proud to see the first of our new DLR trains enter passenger service in London. This achievement represents an important milestone in our long-standing commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable transport solutions, whilst also highlighting the strength of our collaboration with Transport for London. To have our trains operating in such a dynamic and iconic city is a great honour, and a source of real satisfaction for everyone at CAF. We are confident that these new trains will deliver reliable, modern and comfortable journeys, helping to support the continued growth and vitality of London for many years to come.”
The new DLR trains are part of a wider programme backed by significant government investment. £260 million of funding has been provided through the Housing Infrastructure Fund, recognising the vital role the DLR plays in unlocking thousands of new homes across east London. A further £500 million has been financed through a loan from the National Wealth Fund, established by HM Treasury to support the UK’s major growth ambitions. This funding ensures that the DLR is equipped to meet future demand and will continue driving sustainable development across the capital. London City Airport also contributed more than £5 million towards the cost of the new trains, recognising that the plans to improve the DLR align with its commitment to sustainable transport.
The DLR serves six Opportunity Areas in London, which together have the potential to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs. Around 45,000 homes are already under construction or have planning permission within walking distance of the DLR. This new fleet is essential to supporting sustainable growth, particularly in the Royal Docks and Isle of Dogs where the DLR is a lifeline for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
The arrival of the new trains is just one part of a wider vision for the DLR. TfL is working with key partners to progress plans for a proposed extension of the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead, an area with huge potential for new homes, jobs, and community growth. This transformative project would unlock thousands of new homes and improve connectivity in one of London’s most underserved areas, helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable city. The new trains are a vital step in preparing the network for this exciting future.
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| TfL Image - New DLR train interior display |
Given the number of challenges that TfL and the DLR team faced in getting the B23 rolling stock into service, it's great that it has finally entered passenger service.
The next stage is the introduction of the new 2024 Tube Stock (also known as the New Tube for London) into passenger service on the Piccadilly line, expected sometime in 2026. This will mark the beginning of the replacement of the 1973 Tube Stock.
With the Bakerloop express bus service from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham now in operation since 27th September 2025—using new Enviro400EV City buses—hopefully the government will secure funding for the Bakerloo line upgrade, including new rolling stock to replace the ageing 1972 Tube Stock.
It’s crucial to advocate for new public transport services, as they are vital in tackling climate change. This includes writing to your elected representatives—such as your councillor, London Assembly member, or Member of Parliament. Investment in public transport benefits the economy, supports supply chains, and enables the development of new infrastructure, rolling stock, vehicles, and more.
I would like to extend an invite for you to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) for transport-related updates. You can find me by searching for @CLondoner92 or by clicking on the direct link to my X page here. I am also present on BlueSky and Mastodon. I look forward to connecting with you on these platforms. Thank you for your support.
