DLR customers can pre-book assistance by email or phone as part of a new trial aiming to make journeys on the network more accessible.
The newly launched Access DLR trial will help customers to travel who may otherwise encounter barriers.
Customers needing assistance can book a timeslot for assistance for their journeys online or by phone between 7am and 7pm.
Those who book must do so at least two hours before their journey.
Short-notice requests can also be made by phone less than two hours before a journey, but these will be subject to staff availability at the time of travel.
Customers with a booking will be met at the start of their DLR journey by clearly identifiable Access DLR staff who will assist them.
The trial will last for six months, and staff will gather feedback on how the service works, hours of operation and demand for service.
Access DLR is open to anyone aged 18 and over who requires assistance to travel, covering a wide range of needs including mobility, visual impairments and mental health. Users will not be asked for any proof of disability to use the service.
The trial comes as TfL prepares to introduce 54 new trains to the DLR fleet to replace is oldest trains, some of which are 30 years old.
It is hoped the new trains wll help improve the frequency and reliability of services.
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: "Creating an inclusive transport network is an essential part of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy. With the Access DLR trial, we're striving to make every journey as seamless and accessible as possible for all passengers. By gathering feedback and delivering improvements, we're building a fairer, more inclusive London for everyone."
Trish Ashton, TfL’s Director of Rail and Sponsored services, said: “Making London more accessible and inclusive is a priority for TfL. DLR stations have been step-free since it was introduced, but we know that only addresses one element of accessibility.
“Access DLR, along with the new DLR trains, will make the DLR network more widely accessible to the growing community around east and southeast London. We hope that more Londoners will feel comfortable using DLR services with these improvements in place.”
