Docklands Light Railway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Docklands Light Railway |
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 Royal Victoria DLR station MMB 04 DLR 02.jpg |
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| Info | |
| Owner | Docklands Light Railway Ltd, part of Transport for London |
| Locale | Greater London |
| Transit type | Rapid transit/Light metro |
| Number of lines | 7 |
| Number of stations | 45 |
| Daily ridership | 340,000 (daily average, DfT 2017) |
| Operation | |
| Began operation | 31 August 1987 |
| Operator(s) | KeolisAmey Docklands Ltd. Keolis (70%)/Amey (30%) |
| Number of vehicles | 149 DLR rolling stock |
| Train length | 2 or 3 carriages per trainset |
| Technical | |
| System length | 38 km (24 mi) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Electrification | 750 V DC third rail |
| Average speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) |
| Top speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is a special kind of train system in London, England. It's like a mix between a subway and a tram. It opened on August 31, 1987. The DLR was built to help people travel around the redeveloped Docklands area in East London.
Today, the DLR connects many parts of London. To the north, it goes to Stratford. To the south, it reaches Lewisham. To the west, it goes to Tower Gateway and Bank in the City of London's financial area. To the east, it serves Beckton, London City Airport, and Woolwich Arsenal. A cool fact about the DLR is that it's fully computer operated. The trains drive themselves! There's only a staff member on board for emergencies.
Contents
What is the DLR?
The DLR is a modern train system. It uses smaller trains than a regular subway. It runs on tracks that are often above ground. This means you get great views of the city. It's called "light" because its trains are lighter. They are also shorter than typical subway trains.
How the DLR Works
The DLR trains are very high-tech. They are controlled by computers. This means there's no driver in the front cab. You can sit right at the very front of the train. It feels like you are driving! The system uses electricity from a "third rail" to power the trains. This rail is next to the main tracks.
Where the DLR Goes
The DLR has 7 different lines. These lines connect 45 stations. It covers about 38 kilometers (24 miles) of track. It's a very busy system. Over 122 million people used it in one year. The trains can go up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph).
History of the DLR
The Docklands area of London used to be a busy port. But in the 1980s, it was redeveloped. New homes and businesses were built. People needed a way to get around. So, the DLR was created.
Building the Railway
Construction of the DLR started in 1984. It was a big project. They built tracks on raised structures. They also built tunnels. The first part of the DLR opened in 1987. It had 15 stations. It connected Tower Gateway to Island Gardens and Stratford.
DLR Expansions Over Time
Since it first opened, the DLR has grown a lot. Many new lines and stations have been added.
- In 1994, the line was extended to Beckton.
- In 1999, it reached Lewisham.
- In 2005, a new branch opened to London City Airport.
- In 2009, the line was extended to Woolwich Arsenal.
- In 2011, it reached Stratford International. This helped with the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
These expansions made it easier for people to travel. They also helped the Docklands area grow even more.
Images for kids
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Tower Gateway DLR station was the DLR's original link to central London.
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A first generation DLR train crosses West India Dock in September 1987
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The view from Tower Gateway looking east prior to rebuilding shows Fenchurch Street approach tracks to the left and the DLR line in the centre. Just visible in the distance is a DLR train that has emerged from the tunnel to Bank to the right.
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Route of Woolwich Arsenal extension.
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The Stratford International DLR forecourt, soon after opening in 2011
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Abbey Road under construction in April 2010.
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The resited Pudding Mill Lane features new, wider platforms
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The London, Tilbury and Southend line (foreground), operated by c2c, runs alongside the DLR (behind the fence) from Limehouse to Tower Gateway.
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An eastbound train leaving Westferry Station.
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A train awaits departure from Woolwich Arsenal.
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DLR train at Poplar DLR station
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The original Island Gardens DLR station at the end of a viaduct
See also
In Spanish: Docklands Light Railway para niños
