The new trains don't get on well with autumn, apparently.
Slightly embarrassing news from TfL this afternoon: its much-delayed new DLR trains have a potentially serious fault.
"TfL... has temporarily withdrawn new B23 DLR trains from service as a precautionary measure, following an issue with braking performance during wet weather on one train.
"Safety is TfL’s top priority so, although there has only been one isolated incident with a single train, all three new trains have been temporarily withdrawn from customer service."
The new trains have only been operating on the network for a few weeks. It seems that the autumn weather has exposed a flaw that didn't show up in testing.
Fortunately, only three trains were in service up to this point, and their withdrawal should be coverable with older stock. It's not yet known when the trains will be put back into service, or whether the hiccup will delay the full rollout programme.
Featuring walk-through carriages, real time travel information, air conditioning and phone charging points, 54 of the these trains are set to replace the existing DLR stock — some of it over 30 years old. More fold-up seats on the new trains will make it easier to fit wheelchairs, buggies, bikes and baggage — and overall capacity on the network will be increased by over 50%.
