Transport for LondonDocklands Light Railway - Three-carriage Capacity Enhancement: Background
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Passenger Growth
The DLR is now carrying more passengers than ever before, with further increases in demand predicted. The system currently carries 64 million passengers a year and this is expected to rise to 80 million by 2009.
The Mayor's Transport Strategy says:
'As Docklands has developed, passenger use of the DLR has grown dramatically, particularly over the past three years. The biggest challenge facing DLR is keeping up with this growth. This will require ensuring that the infrastructure can accommodate greater passenger volumes'.
Overview
Bank to Lewisham is the busiest line on the DLR network and will run three-car trains in 2009, a year earlier than the rest of the network. The upgrade to three carriages will accommodate future demand and enhance passenger comfort.
The DLR is now carrying more passengers than ever before, with increases in demand predicted not just in the rush hours but also at other times too. The system currently carries over 60 million passengers each year and this is expected to rise to over 80 million per year by 2009. The majority of the increased patronage is expected to be on the Bank - Lewisham route as more and more employment is created around Canary Wharf and South Quay. Until the implementation of major long-term potential projects, such as Crossrail, public transport to and from the Isle of Dogs is restricted to the Jubilee Line, DLR and local bus services.
DLR Annual Passenger Demand
Our aims are to:
- Increase passenger capacity on the DLR
- Maintain frequent and reliable services on the DLR
- Ensure acceptable levels of passenger comfort
- Maintain passenger safety at stations
- Allow sustainable growth and accelerate regeneration in the surrounding area; and
- Ensure the DLR network is ready to meet the passenger demand anticipated during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and provide a lasting legacy
