The first of London’s new Docklands Light Railway (DLR) trains has entered passenger service, marking a major step forward for the capital’s transport network — and a new milestone in Hitachi Rail’s long-standing partnership with Transport for London.
Hitachi Rail’s state-of-the-art Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system underpins the performance of the DLR’s new 54-train fleet, designed to boost safety, reliability and service frequency across one of London’s busiest urban rail networks. With more than 100 million passengers using the DLR each year across 45 stations, the introduction of digital signalling technology represents a significant upgrade in the network’s ability to meet future demand.
Building on three decades of collaboration
Hitachi Rail has been a trusted technology partner to the DLR for over 30 years, supporting the network’s continued growth through major extensions and upgrades — including the Lewisham (1999), London City Airport (2005) and Woolwich Arsenal (2009) expansions. Each has relied on Hitachi’s digital systems to deliver consistent, reliable service to millions of Londoners.
The latest phase builds on that legacy, combining digital innovation and sustainable mobility to create a smarter, more connected transport system for the capital. The CBTC technology enables trains to run safely at closer intervals, improving punctuality and capacity while maintaining high safety standards.
Future-focused urban mobility
Andrew Bell, Vice President at Hitachi Rail UK, said the milestone highlights both the strength of the company’s partnership with the DLR and its broader mission to advance sustainable transport:
“For more than three decades, we have supported the growth and evolution of the DLR network, helping ensure it remains modern, reliable, and accessible for Londoners today and into the future. The DLR programme is also part of Hitachi Rail’s wider mission to rethink mobility, supporting cities worldwide in delivering greener, smarter, and more connected transport. By integrating our digital CBTC signalling, we are helping to shape a railway that continues to lead the way in urban mobility and will serve the capital for decades to come.”
As London continues to grow, the DLR’s new fleet — powered by Hitachi Rail’s digital technology — represents a major investment in the future of safe, sustainable and efficient urban transport.
For more articles like this, visit our Digital Transformation channel
