Docklands Light Railway Ltd

DLR Limited is a small organisation that owns the assets of the railway. Its role is to provide for the operation of the railway and plan the future development to meet the needs of the area.

In 1997, the operation and maintenance of the railway was franchised to the private sector. Serco Docklands Ltd now operates and maintains the Docklands Light Railway under a seven-year franchise, which was recently extended by two years until 31st March 2006. The company was formed in 1997 when the management team won the bid for the franchise in conjunction with Serco.

In November 1999 the Lewisham extension was opened two months ahead of schedule and on budget. It was built under a Concession agreement which saw a private sector consortium, CGL Rail plc. ,design and build the extension. CGL Rail plc are also responsible for maintaining the railway on a 24.5 year lease.

Under the Greater London Act 1999, the Mayor's transport organisation, Transport for London was set up. The body brings together all organisations in London responsible for provision of transport in the Capital and formally came into being on 3 July 2000.

It encompasses London Buses, Docklands Light Railway, Tramlink, River Services, Streets, Public Carriage Office, Woolwich Ferry, Victoria Station and in due course will include London Underground (following finalisation of the PPP contracts).

This gives the Mayor the opportunity to co-ordinate transport initiatives to ensure proper integration of the modes and provide seamless journeys for Londoners.



Docklands Light Railway is a subsidiary of Transport for London, through its trading arm Transport Trading Limited.

DLR Ltd. is also responsible for assisting regeneration in Docklands and developing improvements, such as further extensions and the strategic safety of the railway.

In 2001 Transport for London set up a separate Rail Services Division to which DLR reports. This division is responsible for all current TfL Rail Services matters including DLR, liaison with National Rail, progressing major projects with the SRA (including Crossrail and East London Line Extensions).


DLR's organisation reflects the roles it has in the overall TfL organisation.

The General Manager is accountable to the DLR Ltd board for ensuring the franchise and concessions meet objectives, and re-franchising.

Docklands Light Railway Ltd
Castor Lane, Poplar, London, E14 0DS, United Kingdom

phone: 020 7363 9898
email: travinfo@tfl.gov.uk
web: www.tfl.gov.uk/dlr/

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