Docklands Light Railway (DLR), part of Transport for London, has scooped the London Planning Award for 'Best Public Sector Planning Organisation'.
The award was presented by Mayor Ken Livingstone at City Hall to the DLR Planning, Marketing and Stakeholder team in recognition of DLR's record in successfully expanding its network.
The judges noted that DLR's innovative approach to planning and development, including pioneering community liaison initiatives and proactive stakeholder engagement, had resulted in consent approval for a number of major extension projects.
The effectiveness of DLR's approach is reflected in booming passenger numbers, which have increased sharply to over 55 million per year and are set to reach 80 million by 2009, and record customer satisfaction levels, currently 95 per cent.
The newest DLR extension, to London City Airport, opened in December 2005 on time and ahead of schedule.
DLR has recently secured consent from the Government for its new six kilometre extension to Stratford International, which will form a key transport link during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Richard De Cani, DLR Head of Development and Planning, said: "It is a pleasure to pick up this award, which is testament to the achievements of my team over the past few years.
"The Docklands Light Railway has proved a genuine transport success story and it is enormously rewarding to see this recognised.
"We are now looking to the future with the Docklands Light Railway Woolwich Arsenal and Stratford International extensions, and are confident of maintaining the unmatched levels of progress and delivery we have enjoyed previously."
The DLR has recently picked up a host of awards including the overall Railway Industry Innovation Award 2006 for 'Delivering a successful railway through effective partnerships', and a Community Rail Award for best 'Local Transport Integration Project' for London City Airport station.
