The Docklands Light Railway (DLR), turns 20 on 31 August 2007, marking two decades of service supporting the growth and regeneration of London's East End. The steady expansion of the Docklands Light Railway is helping wider and wider areas of east London share in the prosperity of the rest of the city.

The first passenger train left Tower Gateway for Island Gardens on August 31, 1987. Today, the DLR is carrying 60 million people a year. Customer satisfaction lies at an extraordinary 96 per cent, and reliability tops all UK rail networks at 97 per cent. More than 150,000 jobs and 200,000 homes have been attracted to areas where the DLR runs.

As the railway gears up to celebrate its birthday, Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, hailed the achievements of DLR and thanked everyone who has contributed to its success.

Ken Livingstone said: "The steady expansion of the Docklands Light Railway is helping wider and wider areas of east London share in the prosperity of the rest of the city by making it possible for people to get to new jobs and homes. I am committed to providing the transport links which can help end decades of deprivation in the east end of London. And this is delivering tangible results."

Ian Brown, Managing Director of TfL London Rail, said: "DLR's success is no coincidence thanks to the dedication and forward-thinking of DLR staff past and present. The development of the railway has been remarkable since its inception and shows no sign of slowing down as we enter our third decade. I am proud to be part of one of public transport's genuine success stories and look forward to DLR continuing to go from strength to strength."