Transport for London rule out all-night DLR services
Transport for London have rejected a call by Lewisham council to run overnight services on the DLR.
The council had raised the idea at a recent meetingL
A further possible alternative, which the Council believes could be delivered through a lesser level of investment could be secured through extending the operation of the DLR into a night-time service.
The Council believes that this could be achieved within the confines of the existing DLR network – possibly without the need for signalling improvements.
Today TfL stated “While there are currently no plans to introduce a night service on the DLR, we value all feedback from local stakeholders and communities.
“Any services introduced on the transport network need to ensure value for our customers.”
It was always a long shot to get any service soon given new trains are set to be introduced in a process running more than a year late. Teething trouble has delayed introduction and the roll-out still has years to go.
Perhaps once all trains are bedded in – around 2027 – it may be looked at again.
There’s the issue of overnight possessions for engineering work but that also applies to the tube which has had night service now for nine years – so shouldn’t be an absolute deal breaker.
In terms of funding, TfL have seen two years of surplus so potentially have funding to expand hours if that continues. And the Mayor has continually spoken about the night time economy and how he wishes to support it.
One to watch once all the new trains are in service, and whilst we’re on it, what about later services on the Elizabeth line particularly in the core section between Paddington and Abbey Wood?
Maybe because of the new DLR trains are still being delayed and the new DLR B23 Stock should have entered service few months ago. But it seems that the new trains may not be in service until December this year or early next year.
Yeah but ow safe is it at night on ere. I never see any ASB durin the day on dlr but come the night more oi pelloi are ahrt. Safety muss come first n all.
Come again?
I think it would be very difficult to secure the DLR safely over night without station/entrance changes and more staffing. It then means these areas will never have a night service. Have they thought about a compromise? After a certain time launch express services to more secure stations, i.e. Bank – Canary Wharf – Lewisham? That would increase the speed and means only 3 stations to ‘man’. Other routes as well with key stations. Just an idea.
A limited stop/shuttle service is actually an excellent idea. Could bring late night service to Lewisham and Woolwich from Bank and Stratford without the antisocial behaviour and safety issues that you would get with an unguarded/under-patrolled streetcar service.
The problem as ever is money. It always seemed short-sighted to launch the Night Tube as an off-peak service. Simply charge peak fares for tap-ins after 0030 and you would generate so much income for paying the drivers and guards properly for working unsociable hours