Transport for London (TfL) has awarded a new eight-year contract to KeolisAmey to operate and maintain the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London, the 40 km automated metro line serving five London boroughs.

The new franchise agreement, starting on April 1, 2025, extends KeolisAmey's successful 10-year partnership with TfL. KeolisAmey will support the introduction of 54 new trains to the DLR network and further improve timetables. With over 90 million annual journeys, the DLR is the UK’s busiest light railway, connecting key areas like Stratford and Canary Wharf. It enables southeast Londoners to access jobs in east London without passing through Zone 1 and links financial hubs with the Tube and Elizabeth line. The DLR serves six Opportunity Areas in London, with the potential to deliver over 124,000 homes and 200,000 jobs. Currently, around 45,000 homes are either under construction or have planning approval within walking distance of the DLR. The new train program will provide additional capacity, essential for supporting future sustainable growth, especially in areas like the Royal Docks and the Isle of Dogs, where the DLR is a crucial transport link.

Key improvements include increased service frequency and capacity to support growth, especially in Royal Docks and Isle of Dogs. The DLR will help improve air quality and support TfL’s Vision Zero to eliminate serious transport injuries. Enhancements to customer experience involve expanding Access DLR, setting new satisfaction targets for ticketing, escalators, and information systems, and boosting performance measurements. Additionally, 54 new trains will be introduced, replacing older ones and increasing overall capacity by 50%, improving reliability and reducing fare evasion.