Friday, 15 September 2017

Docklands Light Ralway

 With the redevelopment of the docklands area a new transport system was needed, so 30 years ago the Docklands Light Railway was launched  in August 1987 with 11 trains stopping at 15 stations. Since then the railway has been extended five times and now has 45 stations and 149 vehicles. 



The DLR is mainly elevated on disused railway viaducts or new concrete viaducts. The trains are fully automated, controlled by a computer and have no driver.

My 3 yr old granddaughter loves 'driving' the train. As you can imagine, the front seats are very popular with children.




The Docklands continues to expand at a staggering rate. Every time I visit there seems to be yet another building going up.






Originally the trains were just one carriage long but with demand increasing, platforms have had to be extended to allow for 3 carriage trains.  There is a member of staff on the train responsible for checking tickets and controlling the doors who can also take control of the train in an emergency.


 Sharing with James at Weekend Reflectiont 
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13 comments:

  1. Anonymous15 September 2017 at 21:11

    If you remember, I did not not even realise there wasn't a driver until you pointed it out.

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  2. DJan15 September 2017 at 21:48

    What fun! I'd like to be one of those youngsters in the front watching everything going on. Thanks for sharing this place! :-)

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  3. krishna15 September 2017 at 22:04

    That was a fun rise.. I've a quick question, is it automated since 1987?

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  4. Linda W.16 September 2017 at 03:11

    Wow - automated trains! I don't know if I'd like that or not.

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  5. biebkriebels16 September 2017 at 10:56

    Yes that must be fun to "drive"the train. I remember we drove with it when it was just there. Must have been in the eighties apparently!, How time flies...

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  6. Janey and Co.16 September 2017 at 13:07

    I just wish we had such advanced public transportation here.

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  7. Sallie (FullTime-Life)16 September 2017 at 21:38

    We loved riding on it and I managed to get a picture of Bill in the driver's seat. Many times older than your granddaughter and we were just as thrilled!

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  8. Sallie (FullTime-Life)16 September 2017 at 21:39

    And of course I agree 100% with janey's comment above.

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  9. Mara17 September 2017 at 07:44

    I have been in the area, but don't think I have ever been on one of the trains. A shame really, because you can see a lot more than from a tube train!

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  10. diane b18 September 2017 at 00:58

    Very modern area. We enjoyed doing what your granddaughter was doing when we visited there some years ago.

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  11. James18 September 2017 at 01:26

    Lots of great reflections!

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  12. doodles n daydreams18 September 2017 at 01:37

    I can imagine little kids wanting to 'drive' the train, what fun for them :) And what an astounding set of gardens in your previous post, it's hard to imagine they are on rooftops.

    Diana

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  13. Cynthia18 September 2017 at 15:59

    On one of my stays in London we stayed at a hotel in the Docklands that was at the very end of the lightrail line then. It was an enjoyable ride as you had plenty to see, unlike the subway. Your granddaughter has beautiful thick hair. I imagine now that she is a bit older you enjoy many adventures together.

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