…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is set to introduce timetable changes from Monday May 15 to bring more services to all routes, particularly during peak times.
Transport for London (TfL) has stated that the changes will reduce waiting times and overcrowding on platforms, as well as improving connections with the Elizabeth line at Canary Wharf, Custom House and Stratford.
The most significant change will see peak service levels running an extra half hour on all DLR routes during both morning and evening peak times.
Direct services between Stratford and Lewisham will also be introduced for the first time.
Improved Frequency of Trains
The DLR’s timetable changes aim to improve the frequency of trains, particularly during peak times.
The morning peak service will end at 10am instead of 9.30am, and the evening peak service will end at 7.30pm instead of 7pm.
This means that there will be a higher frequency of trains for a longer period of time at both the start and end of the working day.
Direct services between Stratford and Lewisham during the evening peak period will also be introduced, providing a service every two to four minutes between Canary Wharf and Lewisham instead of every four minutes.
Better Services Across East London
The DLR’s changes will also double frequencies between Canning Town and Beckton on Monday-Saturday evenings, extending the every-five-minutes frequency until 11.30pm on weekdays and until 10pm on Saturdays.
Frequencies will also be doubled between Stratford and Canary Wharf on Saturday evenings, with trains every five minutes until 10pm rather than every 10 minutes until 7.30pm.
Analysis and Commentary
The DLR’s timetable changes are a positive development for passengers travelling across east London, particularly those who rely on the DLR during peak times.
The changes aim to improve the frequency of trains and reduce waiting times and overcrowding on platforms.
The DLR has seen strong ridership, and the introduction of the new walk-through, air-conditioned trains, complete with USB charging points and a new colour scheme, from 2024 will transform journeys for millions of customers every year.
The changes to the timetable are a continuation of last September’s changes to improve capacity and ensure capacity is where it’s needed the most.
The plans to extend the DLR out to Thamesmead are also an exciting development for the area, which currently has no Tube, National Rail, Overground or DLR services.
The new branch will split off from the existing route near Gallions Reach, with a new station created at Beckton Riverside, and a new tunnel will be dug under the Thames to carry the line to Thamesmead.
If built, the new line would have a claim to be the most easterly Thames crossing in Greater London.
The DLR’s timetable changes and the plans to extend the line to Thamesmead demonstrate TfL’s commitment to improving London’s public transport network and providing better services to passengers across the city.