London’s Docklands Light Railway (DLR) will celebrate its 25th birthday next week – a quarter of a century after the Queen cut the ribbon at its opening ceremony.
In 1987, the DLR had just two routes, 11 trains and 15 stations, carrying 6.7 million people in its first year.
Today the railway, which was the second of its kind in the UK, has 45 stations, 46 km of track, 149 carriages, and carries 86 million passengers each year.
During the Olympics, the service set new records for passenger figures, transporting 500,000 people in just one day.
DLR director Jonathan Fox said: “We are proud to have been at the heart of communities in east and south east London for the last 25 years, and to have played our part in supporting Team GB and serving the international sporting community during the Games.
“In doing so, the DLR broke all previous records for passenger numbers thanks to dedicated staff and many years of preparation beforehand which included adding extra carriages and installing signalling upgrades.
“When the Games are over, this Olympic legacy will ensure that team DLR will be well placed to continue its daily role serving commuters as well as being part of the foundations for regenerating this vibrant and developing part of the capital.”
