Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the first of London Docklands Light Railway’s (DLR) new fleet of 54 trains have been equipped with advanced communication technology.
Hitachi Rail’s advanced communication technology has been used on TfL services for more than 20 years, including the Lewisham (1999), London City Airport (2005), and Woolwich Arsenal (2009) expansions.
The partnership stated that this next step forward reflects the TfL’s commitment to digital innovation, sustainable mobility and long-term collaboration.
This includes Hitachi’s commitment to working with transport authorities to deliver smarter, more reliable solutions with lasting benefits for passengers and cities alike.
READ MORE: TfL rolls out first of 54 new DLR trains
With more than 100 million passengers annually across 45 stations, the DLR’s performance is crucial to London’s growth, with the new communications technology enabling seamless public transport.
Hitachi Rail UK vice president Andrew Bell said: “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.”
Achievements and innovations in public transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
