The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is a driverless train network that serves parts of east and south-east London.
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Normal operations are automated, so there is minimal staffing on the 149 trains (which have no driving cabs) and at major interchange stations; the four below-ground stations are staffed, to comply with underground station health and safety regulations.
Each car has four doors on each side, and two or three cars make up a train. There are no cabs because normal operations are automated, and a small driver's console is concealed behind a locked panel at each end, from which the Passenger Service Assistant (PSA) can drive the car if required.
London's second rapid-transit system, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), has operated with driverless trains since its opening in 1987. Boris Johnson promised in 2012 that there would be driverless Tube trains within 10 years.
The DLR isn't really driverless'While our trains are mostly automated, a passenger service agent like me drives them to and from the depot and has to operate them manually if they break down. There are hidden controls at the front, where everyone wants to sit.
One of the biggest successes of the DLR over the last 30 years has been its high levels of reliability, with over 99% of its trains departing on time. The DLR has also had consistently good feedback and engagement with its customers, with high satisfaction ratings averaging at 89 out of 100.
The DLR is an unusual bit of transport, nestled on the right-hand side of the Tube Map. It's an automated “light metro” system but is sometimes referred to as a railway. The DLR is above ground so like the Overground it doesn't count. It also has driverless trains, making it unique amongst London transport!
Driverless trains: The DLR was one of the first transport systems in the world to use fully automated trains without drivers. The trains are controlled by a central computer system that monitors their speed, location, direction, doors, brakes, etc.
The DLR is more automated than other UK railway systems. DLR stations generally do not have staff. Barriers require staff, when there are difficulties. Therefore passenger validate their journeys with card readers.
The train driver drives the train. The Conductor on a train manages it movement, but the person who is actually at the controls in the cab is the Engineer. The Engineer is operating the train.
Autonomous trains operate on tracks shared with other vehicles and pedestrians. They rely on digital signalling, but they require additional powerful sensors to analyse hazards around them and processors that enable them to adapt and even make decisions. Autonomous trains do not need a driver or attendants on board.
Current status. Partially-automated trains are used on eight lines: (Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Northern, District, Circle, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan). These trains still require operators to open and close the doors, and to assist in the event of an emergency.
Driverless trains have been in operation on the Docklands Light Railway since it opened in 1987, though a train attendant is present to operate the doors and drive the train if needed.