Keep an eye out for new DLR trains on test this week
Keen eyed travellers will see daytime running of new trains on the Dockland Light Railway this week as preparations ramp up.
The trains – which are running almost 18 months late into service – will commence runs in daytime service between Stratford International and Beckton.
If like me you’ve noticed the services on that branch have halved in recent weeks, this is why.
The trains will run and stop at stations but won’t open their doors for paying punters. It’s all about seeing how they work amongst normal services.
Let’s hope it all works out as older stock is now heading off to the scrapyard and these bad boys are 18 months late. Anymore delays as we head into winter and things will get dicey.
During the quieter summer holidays TfL have reduced services and cut certain routes. They can only get away with that for so long as passenger numbers pick up in coming weeks as we head towards the busiest times for transport usage in London.
New trains built by CAF in Spain have much more capacity but also a lot less seats giving a good views out the windows. Which is a shame as the DLR mostly runs on viaducts through some dramatic parts of the city.
Will these new DLR B23 stocks be in service before Christmas or in the beginning of 2026. With the Piccadilly Line 2024 Stock due to enter service before the end of this year. And with plans to order more DLR trains and new tube trains for the Bakerloo Line.
Last Sunday (31 August) I went out to West Ham on the Stratford branch and Custom House on the Beckton line and saw NOTHING. I hung about for so long that I should have aroused suspicion.
The new DLR B23 Stocks are only going to replace the B90, B92 and B2K stocks. Whilst the B07 stock are to stay and not be replaced by the new trains. I will be looking forward to seeing them entering service before the end of this year or next year.
As well as the new Piccadilly Line 2024 Stock that are also expected to enter service next year. And the Bakerloo Line also expected to get new trains in the next 2-3 years.
I’ve finally seen the new stock in action, but I had to schlep all the way out to Beckton. The colours remind me of the Paris metro system.