CAF has won a Transport for London contract to supply 43 trains for Docklands Light Railway.
The contract will include a Fleet Support Agreement, which will guarantee technical support and spares. The new five-car trains are due to enter service in 2023, replacing the 33 oldest examples in the present fleet.
Although consisting of five cars, the new trains will be the same length as the present three-car sets. Their interior design features air conditioning and charging points, as well as ‘multi-use’ areas for pushchairs, bicycles and luggage. There will also be dedicated wheelchair spaces.
CAF UK director Richard Garner said: ‘CAF's Metro vehicle design is ideally placed to meet the specific demands of this unique operation, not only increasing passenger capacity, but delivering the very latest in comfort, convenience and safety for passengers. These trains will support the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy to make London a greener, more accessible place to live, work and visit as well as supporting new jobs and homes.’
TfL director of rail and sponsored services Jon Fox added: ‘Replacing the oldest trains on the DLR and introducing a new modern fleet will ensure the railway continues to support the current and future growth in the Docklands area. With walk-through carriages, real time travel information, air conditioning and mobile device charging points, the new trains will provide customers with a more comfortable and reliable service, replacing rolling stock that are nearly 30 years old and coming to the end of their operational life.’
The value of the contract has not been stated, but the award has come later than expected, because it had been due in the autumn of last year.
CAF had faced three competing bidders. They were Alstom, Bombardier and a consortium of Siemens, Stadler Bussang and Stadler Rail Valencia.