Docklands Light Railway Ltd has awarded ALSTOM a train
refurbishment contract worth in excess of 20M pounds

docklands_l,1.jpg

Howard Smith, General Manager of Docklands Light Railway Ltd.,
said: 
'The works will include new interiors to conform with
Disability Discrimination Act requirements and mechanical and
electrical works to extend the life of the vehicles and improve
reliability.'

'Our passenger numbers are growing dramatically and the
refurbished trains will also have a new seat layout to improve
capacity and comfort.'

Current levels of service on the railway will be maintained as
DLR will have received all of its 24 new vehicles by the end of
November.  Funding for the new trains and the refurbishment
programme has been provided by Transport for London.

Charles Carlier, Senior Vice President for ALSTOM’s
Transport Service Sector, commented:
'Winning this high profile renovation contract for
DLR’s fleet of driverless trains is recognition of
ALSTOM’s engineering expertise and high quality
facilities'.

Notes to editors

Docklands Light Railway

Docklands Light Railway is a fully automated computer
operated, driverless system with full Automatic Train
Protection.  Since the railway opened in 1987, it has been
extended three times – to Bank, to Beckton and, in 1999,
under the river Thames to Greenwich and Lewisham. 
Construction of a further extension to London City Airport and
North Woolwich will start early in 2003 (for completion in 2005)
and there are plans for another river crossing from North
Woolwich to Woolwich Arsenal, which could be completed in
2007. 

In 1993, DLR carried 8.3m passengers.  The railway now
carries more than 43m which is expected to increase to 60m by
2005.

Docklands Light Railway Ltd is part of Transport for London
and is responsible for developing the railway’s assets,
managing the franchise and Lewisham concession agreements, and
planning and investing for the railway’s future to serve
regeneration. 

Railway operations were franchised to the private sector
company, Serco Docklands Ltd for seven years from 1997 which has
now been extended for a further two years.

To conform as closely as possible to DDA requirements, the
refurbishment contract includes audio-visual displays,
contrasting floors, compliant wheelchair areas with “call
to aid” facility, contrasting colour doors and improved
handrails and grab handles.

ALSTOM Transport

In the UK, ALSTOM’s Transport Sector employs almost
5,000 people.  Major transport facilities are in Glasgow,
Manchester, Eastleigh, Borehamwood, Birmingham and
Preston.  In addition to providing new train fleets for
National Express, Stagecoach, First Group and Virgin Trains,
the company has supplied over 90% of rolling stock for London
Underground, most recently for the Jubilee and Northern
Lines.

For further information:

Judy De Haan

Docklands Light Railway Ltd   

Tel: 020 7363 9667

Jdehaan@dlr.co.uk 

Helen Connolly

ALSTOM Transport

Tel: +33 1 41 66 91 43

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com

• To visit the Docklands Light Railway's website