UK-based Transport for London (TfL) has started the procurement process for a supplier to build a new generation of trains for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).

The new trains are scheduled to start operating from 2022 and are intended to increase the current capacity by more than 30%.

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The air-conditioning trains will be equipped with mobile device charging points and provide the passengers with real time travel information.

TfL DLR director Danny Price said: “These new trains will enable us to increase capacity on the DLR by 30%, significantly improving the comfort, reliability and quality of our service for customers.

“Ordering them now ensures that we get the best value for money in the long term and can support continuing growth in east London.

"We intend to go out to tender later this year with the new trains entering service from 2022.”

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The DLR trains will operate in the Docklands area, which is currently undergoing major redevelopment works.

"These new trains will enable us to increase capacity on the DLR by 30%, significantly improving the comfort, reliability and quality of our service."

TfL has decided to replace two thirds of the existing trains and order an additional ten new trains in support of the location's growth.

The organisation also plans to order 43 new 87m-long trains, including 33 units intended to replace the railway's existing fleet.

The number of commuters is expected to increase when the DLR network interchanges with the Elizabeth line from next year.

Services between central London, Shenfield and Abbey Wood will interchange with the DLR at multiple stations, including Canary Wharf, West India Quay, Stratford and Custom House.

TfL has published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) seeking expressions of interest from suppliers, with a formal invitation to tender expected later this year.  

The contract will be awarded to the successful contractor in 2018.

DLR currently serves 45 stations and carries nearly 122 million passengers annually.

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