The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the light rail system for travel in the Docklands (Isle of Dogs) and south of the river to Lewisham. It is good that the east of London is not served well by Underground lines as this is one of the most impressive forms of transport that Britain has - something to be proud of.
I am not over-reacting as this system is a fabulous piece of engineering as trains are automatic, driverless, smooth, fast, clean... and the list of positives could go on and on.
This form of transport is perfect for tourists, travelling in the Docklands, as it is high overground allowing you to look out to see popular sights such as Canary Wharf, the Millenium Dome and Asda (!) - not forgetting the 'slums' of Tower Hamlets as you pull out of Shadwell. It is even more impressive to see, sitting at the front (as it is driverless) which kids (and mums and dads - practically everyone) will love. Another nice touch for the tourists is the commertary sometimes provided by a member of staff on board. This is usually around the Canary Wharf (and Isle of Dogs) area and is very interesting.
The DLR operates three routes. These are:
BANK - LEWISHAM: via Shadwell, Limehouse, Westferry, West India
Key, Canary Wharf (for Canary Wharf & Shopping Centre), Heron Quays (for Canary Wharf Underground Station - Jubilee), South Quay, Crossharbour (for London Arena & Asda), Mudchute (for Mudchute farm), Island Gardens, Cutty Sark (for Maritime Greenwich), Greenwich, Deptford Bridge, Elverson Road & Lewisham. (Bank connects to the Central Line, Waterloo & City Line, Northern Line & District and Circle Lines although it is a very long walk between platforms).
TOWER GATEWAY - BECKTON: via Shadwell, Limehouse, Westferry, Poplar, Blackwall, East India, Canning Town (bus to London City Airport and Jubilee Line link), Royal Victoria, Custom House (for ExCel), Prince Regent, Royal Albert, Beckton Park, Cyprus, Gallions Reach & Beckton. (Tower Gateway is a short walk from Tower Hill Station for the Circle/District Lines and a short walk from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London).
STRATFORD - CROSSHARBOUR: via Pudding Mill Lane, Bow Church, Devons Road, Poplar, West India Quay, Canary Wharf (for Canary Wharf and Shopping Centre), Heron Quays (for Canary Wharf Station on the Jubilee Line), South Quay and Crossharbour (for London Arena). (Stratford connects with the Central Line and the Jubilee Line. Sometimes this route differs - ie. it will go from Stratford only to Canary Wharf but sometimes all the way down to Lewisham).
The DLR are also going to costruct an extension out to London City Airport and Woolwich. Stations served will possibly include: Thames Wharf, West Silvertown, Pontoon Dock, London City Airport and then King George V on the north side of the river. There would then be a further extension underneath the river to Woolwich Arsenal. These extensions would branch off from the existing line between Canning Town and Royal Victoria.
On a commuting point of view, you feel very smug when looking down on to the clogged roads, while you speed past beating the jams. However, during rush hour the DLR does become very busy, especially around Canary Wharf and into Bank. Also the DLR becomes busy after a concert has finished at the London Arena.
DLR trains are noticable due to their distinct shape and blue exterior, however some have been plastered with adverts such as the Lewisham Shopping Complex and Diet Coke. Inside there are plenty of seating, although the decor has not been updated since the trains were buit - late 1980's and are looking slightly worn. However, trains are very clean and the staff are somewhat cheery (compared to London Underground Staff).
Another big plus for the DLR is that it is extremely disabled friendly. Wheelchairs as well as pushchairs can be pushed on to the train. Each station has lifts for each platform as well. Some stations are well distanced apart but others are rediculosly close. For example some are under 100m apart - such as between West India Quay - Canary Wharf & Heron Quays. The biggest station is Canary Wharf, the second being Poplar.
In my opinion, trains are not as frequent as they could be. Sometimes, you have to wait for 10/15 minutes for a train, although they are more frequent during the weekday. Unlike the Underground network, DLR trains are very punctual - if the board says it will arrive in 2 minutes it will arrive in 2 minutes. Also when the tube strikes the DLR is never affected and operates as usual.
At stations there are no barriers but you should still buy a ticket as although the train is driverless, a member of staff is always onboard and will check the tickets. There are many different types of tickets for travel on the DLR. Prices are shown as (£adult/ £child).The DLR Only Tickets are:
> Docklands Shuttle South: Valid between Lewisham & Canary Wharf - One Day (£2.00/£0.80p), 7 Days (£9.20/ £4.20).
> City Flyer South: Valid between Lewisham & Bank (or Tower Gateway via Canary Wharf) - One Day (£3.60/ £1.60), 7 Days (£16.60/ £8.00).
> Docklands Shuttle East: Valid between Beckton or Stratford & Island Gardens - One Day (£2.60/ £1.20), 7 Days (£11.90/ £5.90).
> City Flyer East: Valid between Beckton or Stratford & Bank or Tower Gateway via Canary Wharf - One Day (£4.00/ £2.00), 7 Days (£18.70/ £9.30).
Students do recieve a discount of 30% of the Adult rate but only with a Student Photocard.
Also, day travel cards for unlimited travel on the Tube and Buses can also be used on the DLR. For Zones 1 & 2 these are £5.30peak/ £4.30 off-peak for an adult and £2.60 for a child.
Oyester Card Holders can also travel at 2003 prices.
There is also a combined ticket for the DLR and City Cruises River Services that allows a full day unlimited travel. This is £8.80 for an adult, £4.50 for a child and £23.00 for a family (2 adults and 3 children).
DLR's website is extremely useful, tfl.gov.uk/dlr, as it has route maps, the frequency of trains along with first and last trains as well as information on the best restaurants and shopping in the area. Also it has Real-Time Train Information that tells you how long until there is a train leaving from that station. Another thing that is ideal for commuters is the Real-Time train information through WAP on your mobile phone. The address is http://dlr.kizoom.co.uk. where you can select your station and then it shows you how long until the next train leaves.
Overall, the DLR is fast, clean, punctual, smooth, driverless with panoramic views - and is worth a trip on even though it is just for the fun of it. If you are not a tourist it is pretty handy to beat the traffic jams by taking the scenic route. It is a shame that DLR does not stretch out to cover the whole of London - or even the UK. At least it is going to go to Woolwich and London City...
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