Transport for London has awarded a contract to replace old DLR trains to make for more reliable journeys.

From 2023, customers using the Docklands Light Railway will benefit not just from newer trains but also more of them.

TfL has awarded the contract to design and manufacture the trains to Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A (CAF).

The order will replace the oldest rolling stock on the DLR which are nearly thirty years old and have come to the end of their design life.

These are in vital need of replacement to ensure a reliable service is maintained for customers.

More than 400,000 people use the DLR every weekday and so the new trains will provide more frequent direct services to the growing employment centre and cultural hub at Stratford, allowing people from across south east London to reach more job opportunities.

Jon Fox, TfL's Director of Rail and Sponsored Services, said: "Replacing the oldest trains on the DLR and introducing a new modern fleet will ensure the railway continues to support the current and future growth in the Docklands area.

"With walk-through carriages, real time travel information, air conditioning and mobile device charging points, the new trains will provide customers with a more comfortable and reliable service, replacing rolling stock that are nearly 30 years old and coming to the end of their operational life."

The DLR operates across six Opportunity Areas in London, which have the potential to provide more than 124,000 homes and 200,000 jobs.

These six opportunity areas are Royal Docks & Beckton Riverside, Woolwich, Isle of Dogs & South Poplar, Olympic Legacy, Deptford Creek & Greenwich Riverside and New Cross Lewisham and Catford.

The new fleet of walk through trains are expected to start entering passenger service from 2023 providing a number of customer improvements, including the latest audio and visual real-time travel information, air conditioning and mobile device charging points.

They will provide better facilities for those with mobility impairments, with three multi-use areas in addition to three dedicated wheelchair spaces. These multi-use areas can also be used to accommodate pushchairs, bicycles or luggage.