Ashurst Guides TfL on New DLR Franchise Deal with KeolisAmey

British multinational firm Ashurst advises long-term client Transport for London (TfL) on an eight-year contract with KeolisAmey, for the operation and maintenance of the DLR.

The DLR: A “Godsend” for Londoners.

Since its debut in 1987, the Docklands Light Railway has certainly made its mark as a rail franchise, connecting commuters from south east London to the east. Recent data from the Department for Transport shows that the line accommodated 92.3 million passenger journeys as of March 2023 making the DLR a lifeline for residents and commuters. It connects the capital’s financial hub Canary Wharf to Stratford's cultural and bustling streets, the latter having become a pioneer of growing employment. 

Global Law Firm Ashurst leads the way in Rail Franchising and Transport law.

Ashurst is a recognised leader in the world of rail franchising and transport law, renowned for handling complex rail transactions and projects in the sector. The firm's transport and infrastructure experience includes a recent high-profile transaction, the global giant has advised National Express on a £1.9 billion all-share combination with Stagecoach, underscoring the firm’s reputation for navigating high-stakes deals.

Inside the Deal: What It Really Involves.

In a strategic move for London’s rail network, British multinational law firm Ashurst has played a pivotal role in advising Transport for London (TfL) on its recent eight-year contract with KeolisAmey, the joint venture awarded the operation and maintenance of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), making this agreement a crucial one for millions of Londoners. The Ashurst team, led by partners James Illingworth and Terence van Poortvliet,  worked closely with TfL’s well-reputed Legal in-house team on this deal. 

This new DLR franchise, due to start on 1 April 2025, was awarded to joint venture KeolisAmey following a competitive tendering process. With this renewed franchise, the focus turns to improvements that will benefit commuters, including a new fleet of trains boasting greater capacity, frequency, and accessibility upgrades such as additional ticket machines, lifts, and escalators. This expansion promises to ease the journey for those travelling across London’s east and southeast regions.

Both the legal teams at Ashurst and TfL, as well as KeolisAmey Docklands, inform us of their unwavering commitment towards delivering a better customer experience and meeting the high demand for services. During a virtual ‘Energy Transition’ workshop with Ashurst last month, the firm itself described the inner workings of the deal, explaining how it required extensive client interviewing. 

Sustainability at the Core of the Deal.

Ashurst has long championed sustainable business practices and has committed to implementing environmental strategies across all sectors. In the case of the DLR, sustainability is equally central: KeolisAmey Docklands has pledged to eliminate single-use plastics, reduce packaging, and cut carbon emissions by 95% as part of this new franchise agreement. Both Ashurst and TfL underscore the importance of sustainable measures not only to improve service but also to align with environmental goals.

Ashurst has also been vocal about the necessity for businesses to adopt sustainable actions, urging that “sustainability is paramount to ensuring one’s business remains relevant and resilient.” Their involvement in this project reinforces their commitment to integrating sustainable practices into the legal and corporate sectors alike.

So what exactly does this franchise agreement imply for London’s railway system and passengers?

Tom Page, General Manager for the DLR at Transport for London (TfL), claims that the next few years will see more customers benefiting from several improvements, “including a fleet of new trains offering increased capacity and frequency.” TfL goes on to add that there will be an increase in availability of ticket machines, lifts and escalators. 

Such a contractual agreement between TfL and KeolisAmey Docklands can be seen to have little repercussions, instead paving the way for a more accessible and convenient DLR experience. It also brings hope that the TfL will turn its focus towards renovating other rail lines, particularly the Central and Northern Lines, both of which face widespread criticism for frequent delays and uncomfortable seating. 

During a press release, Transport for London offers us their full list of improvements under this deal, which are due to come into effect on 1 April 2025:

1. Making enhancements to timetables to deliver higher frequencies of service and capacity upgrades to support population growth across the network, particularly in parts of Royal Dock and the Isle of Dogs where the DLR is the main transport option 

2. Supporting TfL in improving London's air quality by reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions 

3. Supporting TfL's Vision Zero commitments to eliminate deaths and serious injuries across London's transport network 

4. Helping to improve the customer experience by: 

   1. Fully rolling out and promoting Access DLR, a free travel assistance service for anyone over 18 who needs extra support

   2. New customer satisfaction targets around the appearance and availability of ticket machines, lifts, escalators and information systems to create a better experience

   3. Improved ways to measure performance to ensure customers receive the best possible service 

5. New performance incentives to give an increased focus on reducing levels of fare evasion and protecting TfL's revenue 

6. Supporting the introduction of 54 new DLR trains onto the network to help improve the frequency and reliability of services.  The new trains will replace the 33 oldest trains in the fleet, with a further 21 helping boost overall capacity by 50 per cent  

The Future of London Transit

The Ashurst-led TfL deal is a testament to the power of shared values in public-private partnerships, especially as both organisations prioritise sustainable, commuter-friendly improvements. The TfL-KeolisAmey Docklands collaboration not only ensures that Londoners can expect a more accessible and convenient DLR experience but also reflects a broader ambition for transforming London’s public transportation network.

Ultimately, Ashurst’s role in advising TfL on an agreement with KeolisAmey Docklands has been crucial, leading to significant advancements for passengers and their journeys. It is plausible that the relationship between all parties has flourished based on their shared values. They boast an unwavering commitment to sustainable approaches for their people, clients and communities. They argue that sustainability is paramount to ensuring one’s business remains relevant and resilient. Businesses should seize the opportunity to contribute positively to society by helping to create a sustainable future. 

Ultimately, Ashurst’s guidance in this franchise renewal has laid a foundation for continued progress in London’s rail system, highlighting the essential role of legal expertise in shaping sustainable, commuter-focused transit solutions.