Free cross-river DLR journeys to continue from Woolwich and Greenwich say TfL
Free DLR journeys over the Thames have been extended from this month to Tuesday 26th May 2026 for trips between Woolwich Arsenal and King George V station, as well as between Cutty Sark and Island Gardens.
That aligns with extended bus journeys on routes using the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels covered here back in February when TfL confirmed the news. The bus routes include the existing 108 as well as SL4 and the extended 129. DLR confirmation came a while after.
It was initially only from Cutty Sark but when that closed it was extended to also cover Greenwich to Island Gardens.
When using either a bus or the DLR passengers will see a charge if using contactless which is then refunded within 14 days. Oyster card holders on the other hand will have to touch in on a yellow reader within four days of the journey.
Both journeys are unlikely to be used by many. probably the most use is for those who use the chronically unreliable foot tunnels in Greenwich and Woolwich.
Whilst the Greenwich tunnel works sporadically, the lift at Woolwich has been out of use for around three years. At the time of writing the south lift at Greenwich also appears broken again.
The bike shuttle bus is also staying for now. Approaches in Greenwich remain as desperate as ever having been in the area recently a few times, though over the river in Newham work continues on a widespread network of cycling improvements including new lanes leading right to the bus stop.
A forthcoming post will look at the contrasting fortunes of street work on either side of the river.
When do Londoners and train enthusiasts get to see the new B23 Stock in service on the Docklands Light Railway. As well as the Piccadilly Line 2024 Stock to also enter service.
Hopefully soon Andrew..
I do not know how long TFL can continue to offer free fares on routes 108 129 and SL4 and on the DLR whem TFL have a budget crisis and cutting other busy bus routes many which serve Hospitals and Stations
Routes 178 291 386 and 486 serving Queen Elizabeth Hospital have had frequency cuts. Route 486 also serves North Greenwich Station.
Route 229 and 286 serving Queen Mary’s Hospital have frequency cuts. Route 229 has already seen its frequency cut in January and route 286 receives a major frequency cut of two buses an hour reducing the frequency from 6 buses an hour to 4 buses an hour from July 2026. Which means the frequency on route 286 is reduced from every 10 minutes to every 15 minutes..
Other local bus routes in Greenwich Bexley and Lewisham have all seen local bus routes have frequency cuts including route 51 320 484.to name just three. Route 484 also serves King’s College Hospital.
Route 472 was axed completely in January..
So are bus services safe under the Mayor of London and TFL the simple answer is no.
Many of these cuts have also been backed by current ocal Labour councillors and MP”s.
Here here Kay M well said. Around of applause for you..
@ Andrew yes let’s hope we start to see the introduction of the new B23 trains soon on the DLR. With the new Piccadilly Line trains also being introduced once all safety checks have been completed..
Well said Kay M I totally agree with you 100%.
I.think it is really cruel and nasty of The Mayor of London and TFL to cut bus services serving hospitals. While allowing people to travel free across the river. I am being brutally honest here.
When they are fully aware of the parking issues at hospitals and the huge cost of parking at hospitals. Knowing hospital staff, patients abd visitors need to get to the Hospital for work, hospital appointments etc.
So I do honestly think the free fares on routes 108 129 and SL4 and the DLR must end on the 26th May 2026. With normal bus and DLR fares being applied from the 27th May 2026.
We TFL need to invest in local bus services across Greater London.
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Greenwich Council’s website says three out of the four lifts at Greenwich and Woolwich Foot Tunnels are not working. The other lift – the North Lift – at Greenwich is working. These lifts are totally unreliable .
Yet statistics on tunnel usage say approx 5000 people a day – pedestrians and cyclists – use both tunnels.
Wholly unsatisfactory service for those people and not getting any better .
Offering free DLR trips until late May is a good gesture from TfL but it is not a long term solution to the ongoing poor maintenance and management of both foot tunnels .
The tunnels are currently run by three boroughs – Greenwich ,Newham and Tower Hamlets .
Need fresh thinking about that management arrangement post the London elections.
Ditto Well said Kay M.
Kathy well said too. The Lifts are very unreliable and need new long term solutions.
We need change with new and fresh leadership at City Hall, TFL and on Greenwich, Newham and Tower Hamlet Councils. With new ideas and more time taken to listen to local residents and passengers using TFL and Council managed services. .
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Cyclists shouldn’t be ridin the foot tunnel n all. Pedestrians ave to risk their safety every day when they cross. The grim party couldn’t care less abahrt people on foot cos they want cycle lanes ere there n everywhere. Some one muss speak up for people who walk the tunnel n the dissabled.
I frequently going from Royal Victoria to Charlton shopping. Bus links are terrible, but still better then going to Beckton or Stratford. Labour only cares about the cyclists, or maybe they want all the high street shops to collapse to force people to buy everything online and have it delivered by crazy electric bike riders.
If Labour only cared for cyclists why are connections to the cycle bus, for instance, so dismal in Greenwich?
A free cross-river journey on the DLR between Woolwich Arsenal-King George V and between Cutty Sark-Island Gardens is good for anyone who wants to get to places they need to go to as 1 stop underneath the River Thames. And since Cutty Sark DLR station has reopened not that long ago following its major upgrade with new escalators and lifts installed.