KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD), a 70:30 joint venture between transport operators Keolis and Amey, has secured 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 southeast London have been operated by KAD since 2014. The new contract commenced as of April 1.
The DLR is an essential part of London’s public transport system and is renowned internationally as a leading automated light rail network.
The next franchise agreement will see the JV continue to 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 communities.
KAD will also introduce 54 new trains onto the system over the course of the new contract.
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.”
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 Docklands 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.