Press release -
Hitachi Rail technology at the heart of the new DLR trains now in service
London - Hitachi Rail’s advanced communication technology equips the first of London Docklands Light Railway’s (DLR) new fleet of 54 trains, which have begun entering passenger service.
This milestone showcases Hitachi Rail’s digital CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control) signalling, which underpins the safety, reliability and availability of the new fleet. With more than 100 million passengers annually across 45 stations, the DLR’s performance is crucial to the city’s growth, and Hitachi Rail’s technology is at the heart of its future.
As a trusted technology partner for CBTC signalling on the DLR for over three decades, Hitachi Rail has supported successive extensions and upgrades across the network, including the Lewisham (1999), London City Airport (2005), and Woolwich Arsenal (2009) expansions, ensuring reliable services for millions of passengers. This next step forward reflects the company’s commitment to digital innovation, sustainable mobility and long-term collaboration with transport authorities to deliver smarter, more reliable solutions with lasting benefits for passengers and cities alike.
Andrew Bell, Vice President, Hitachi Rail UK, 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.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The DLR’s Rolling Stock Replacement Programme is replacing 32 of the oldest 3-car trains with 43 new trains. An additional 11 new trains are also being introduced to boost capacity across the DLR network for a total of 54 trains.
- The new trains are built by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), with signalling integration and onboard signalling control systems supplied by Hitachi Rail.
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About Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport.
With revenues of over €7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the world’s best transport organisations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities.
Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems – from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signalling, smart operations and payment systems.
Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of €58.16bn / ¥9,7 bn.
For more information, visit hitachirail.com
