New DLR trains could re-enter service imminently
New DLR trains could re-enter public service imminently after being withdrawn last autumn when one overshot a stopping point.
Trains have been testing again recently and upon re-entering service will operate on the Woolwich Arsenal to Stratford International route. Sources state new trains could begin again in coming days if not weeks.
The trains are now extremely late into service given April 2024 was the target date. Since then DLR routes have seen service cuts, continual weekend and evening closures and new trains stored in Spain where they were built by CAF.
All that has cost Transport for London large amounts of money while fare revenue has dived as the service has become unpredictable at weekends. For yours truly I no longer ever rely on it running on a weekend and automatically think of other options.
While entering service again is welcome storing completed trains for years in Spanish sidings is not without risk. We shall see if that hurts reliability in coming years.
Another factor which delayed new stock introduction was a contractor entering administration which delayed the building of new sidings in Beckton.
Improvements
One reason new sidings are needed is overall DLR train numbers will increase when older 30 year old stock is gone and new stock arrives.
That in turn will lead to greater service frequencies and capacity so the wait should be worth it.
The trains come with air conditioning (sadly entering service in September when they it would’ve been much appreciated over the summer) as well as power points.
One downside to extra capacity is very few forward facing transverse seating. You can still ‘drive’ the train though instead of two forward facing bays each side there’s now just one.
Keep an eye out for them appearing again in coming days and weeks. And hopefully less of the weekend closures, cut services and shorter train lengths recently seen.
It’s good to see these brand new B23 stock trains to enter service on the Docklands Light Railway. And to replace the B90/B92/B2K stock that are to be sent for scrapped. Whilst the B07 stock are to remain. I be looking forward to seeing them coming into service.
About time that the B23 Stock should re-enter service on the DLR. Since CAF who built them have had lots of issues and there were intended to enter service last year. I also do think that CAF should continue on manufacturing new tube stock trains for the Bakerloo Line to replace the 1973 Stock.
It will be good to see the new DLR trains enter service. I like the new livery the trains look very smart in the new colours.
Finally the B23 stock has returned and hopefully more of these new trains will be in service across the entire DLR network. Including seeing them on Stratford-Lewisham, Stratford International-Woolwich Arsenal and Beckton via Canning Town and Bank/Tower Gateway-Lewisham, Woolwich Arsenal and Beckton via Canning Town lines.
As CAF are continuing on manufacturing the new DLR B23 Stock units to replace the B90/B92/B2K stock units that are 30+ years old.
They could plan ahead to manufacture new London Underground tube trains for the Bakerloo Line to replace the 1972 Stock that are 50 years old and are in need of replacement.
With the new Piccadilly Line 2024 Stock due to enter service sometime later this year that Siemens are manufacturing those new tube stock to replace the 1973 Stock.