The DLR opened with just 15 stations and 11 single-car trains, connecting Tower Gateway, Stratford, and Island Gardens. It was one of the first fully automated light metro systems in the UK and a pioneer in providing step-free access, making it accessible to all from the outset.

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1982
10/1982

The birth of the DLR

Government funding agreement marks the birth of the DLR project and its transformative vision for Docklands.
1987
7/1987

DLR Opening Ceremony

HM Queen Elizabeth II performs the formal DLR opening ceremony.
1991
11/1991

Canary Wharf station opens

Canary Wharf station opens, connecting London’s financial district.
1999
11/1999

Lewisham Extension opens

Lewisham Extension opens, improving connectivity to South London.
2009
1/2009

Woolwich Arsenal

Woolwich Arsenal extension opens ahead of schedule.
2012
8/2012

London Olympics

DLR’s busiest ever day during the London Olympics (500,000 passengers).
2013
3/2013

100 Million Passengers!

DLR carries 100 million passengers annually for the first time.
2022
5/2022

Elizabeth Line

Elizabeth line opens, interchanging with four DLR stations.
2023
2/2023

£700m Upgrade

£700m Bank Station Capacity Upgrade completed.
3/2023

DLR Performance History!

Best-ever week of performance in DLR history (99.95% Departures, 98.99% Journey Times, 0.01min Excess Wait Time).
2024
5/2024

Access DLR

Six-month trial of Access DLR, offering escorted travel for passengers needing extra support.
10/2024

Second Franchise

KeolisAmey Docklands awarded its second DLR franchise on an 8-year contract, with a potential two-year extension.

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At KeolisAmey Docklands, we believe in the power of connection. We're here to listen, collaborate, and make a difference together.

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