Major changes in the operation of the DLR, coupled with ongoing project work and the onset of the recession, resulted in an increase in grants from Transport for London to the TfL subsidiary that owns and manages the Docklands Light Railway in the year to 31 March 2009, according to its annual accounts.

Operation and maintenance of the system is let to an operating company and to the companies which constructed system extensions.

The latest extension to the railway, under the Thames to Woolwich, opened in January 2009, whilst work continued on a further extension from Canning Town to Stratford and on the scheme to accommodate three-car sets on the system. Both are due for completion during 2010.

The increased operating costs reflect the operation of the extension for three months and the other activity, but patronage growth was restricted to less than 2%, reflecting the onset of the recession and the effects on City employment levels starting in the autumn of 2008.

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