Transport for LondonPassenger 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 the DLR is keeping up with this growth. This will require ensuring that the infrastructure can accommodate greater passenger volumes'.
DLR Annual Passenger Demand
With this in mind, DLR is building upon the plans which have already been approved for the introduction of longer trains between Bank/Tower Gateway and Lewisham in 2009. The only remaining parts of the network unable to accommodate longer trains will be the routes between Poplar and Stratford, and between Poplar and Beckton. By having an entire network suitable for three-car trains, capacity for up to 50 per cent more passengers can be provided.
Our aims are to:
- Increase passenger capacity on the DLR between Poplar, Stratford and Beckton;
- Maintain frequent and reliable services on the DLR between Poplar, Stratford and Beckton;
- 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.
