KeolisAmey has been awarded a new eight-year contract by Transport for London (TfL) to operate and maintain the DLR in London, the 40km automated metro line serving five London boroughs.
The new franchise agreement will start on 1 April 2025 and builds on the successes of KeolisAmey’s previous franchise over the past 10 years. KeolisAmey will be supporting TfL on the introduction of 54 new trains to the DLR network and making further enhancements to the timetable for passengers. Additionally, a new apprenticeship scheme will be launched and sustainable community outreach projects developed with local communities across east and south-east London.
To improve customer experience, security and protect revenue, KeolisAmey will be harnessing innovative technology based on artificial intelligence within operational delivery and using new technologies to enhance maintenance regimes and techniques.
Alistair Gordon, chief executive of Keolis UK, said: “We’re pleased to have been awarded the new franchise contract for the DLR and delighted that TfL continues to place its trust in our JV to deliver service excellence for a key part of the capital’s public transport network. We are proud of the role we’ve played on the DLR network for the past decade, breaking ridership and customer satisfaction records in that time.”
Andy Milner, chief executive of Amey said: “The new DLR contract allows us to build on our work, operating one of the capital’s busiest rail networks, bringing new technologies onboard to improve passengers’ and give back to local communities. We look forward to working closely with TfL to ensure DLR remains one of the world’s leading automated metros, providing exceptional service delivery and reliability to every passenger who needs us.”
Tom Page, TfL’s General Manager for DLR, said: “This new franchise with KeolisAmey is great news for customers and is key in ensuring the DLR continues to meet growing demand for the areas it serves. With new trains, greater innovation, a core commitment to decarbonising and a focus on safety for both customer and colleagues, it’s a really important time for the DLR.”
The DLR has grown to become the UK’s busiest light rail network. It carries around 100 million passengers each year.
Since taking over, KeolisAmey has introduced a range of improvements to the network spanning customer service, operations and physical infrastructure. Working closely with TfL, the partners have succeeded in maintaining the network’s industry-leading departures record, while boosting customer satisfaction to an all-time high for the network.