KeolisAmey has commenced a new eight-year contract to continue operating and maintaining the DLR in London.
The network’s 40km of infrastructure and 45 stations in east and south east London have been operated by KeolisAmey since 2014. The DLR is an essential part of London’s public transport system and is renowned internationally as a leading automated light rail network.
The new franchise agreement will see KeolisAmey build on the strong foundations of collaboration developed with Transport for London and invest in accelerating the network’s social value for customers, colleagues and its local communities. 54 new trains will also be introduced onto the system over the course of the new contract, to further enhance the quality of service for passengers.
Alistair Gordon, chief executive of Keolis UK, said:
“We’re proud of the role we’ve played in establishing the DLR as the gold standard for automated light rail networks across the world.”
“Now we’re laser-focused on making the network even better. That will involve investing in our communities, customers and colleagues, working closely with TfL and implementing the latest technologies available to drive improvements in the system. We’re fortunate to be in a place to be able to improve the system through our expertise and experience taken from operating systems all over the world.
“This is an exciting time for DLR passengers and we’re looking forward to seeing what the course of the new contract brings for the network.”
Peter Anderson, managing director at Amey, added: “Over the last ten years, we’ve learnt so much about DLR – from the nuances of the rail infrastructure through to specific passenger needs for the service. We’ve used this knowledge to enhance the network and consistently achieve high performance standards. We’re now looking forward to further building on our asset management expertise, introducing new trains to the network alongside TfL, integrating data insights into operational delivery and continuing to make sure DLR retains its reputation as one of the world’s leading automated metros.”
The DLR has grown to become the UK’s busiest light rail network. It carries an average of 122 million passengers each year and employs 860 people.
Since taking over, KeolisAmey has introduced a range of improvements to the network spanning customer service, operations and physical infrastructure. Working closely with Transport for London, the partners have succeeded in maintaining the network’s industry-leading 99% departures record, while boosting customer satisfaction to an annual rate of 89%, an all-time high for the network.
Image credit: CityPress
