It is already the most in-demand spot on the London transport network, but plans to install stickers and cardboard steering wheels in driverless Docklands Light Railway (DLR) trains could intensify the scramble for its front seats.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has said the trains, in which tens of thousands of Londoners have sat pretending to be the driver, could now include a steering wheel and stickers mimicking control panels to make the experience more realistic.
In an effort to bring to life “driving the DLR” for children – and older enthusiasts – TfL will introduce new vinyl stickers for the front panels of 10 of its trains, featuring pretend buttons and switches. The trial begins this month but could be introduced more widely in the future.
Posing as the driver has become a common activity for DLR passengers, with social media users regularly posting pictures and videos while sitting at the front of the first carriage.
The journeys across the east of the capital are in fact remote controlled by a central computer system that monitors speed, location, direction, doors and brakes. A “train captain” on board can manually take over the automated controls if needed.
The steering wheel idea was put forward in a question by the Liberal Democrat assembly member Caroline Pidgeon just after Christmas. She suggested that new DLR trains being introduced in 2024 could include the gimmick.
Khan replied: “TfL will be trialling ‘driving the train’ vinyl stickers across 10 trains in January 2024, and is exploring a number of other customer and community engagement activities to support the introduction of new DLR trains.
“As part of this, TfL will consider how it brings to life the ‘driving the DLR’ experience for children. This could involve cardboard steering wheels. TfL will review learnings from the front seat ‘driving the train’ vinyl sticker trial in early 2024 before finalising plans.”
TfL plans to introduce 54 new DLR trains over the next two years to replace 33 of the oldest trains in the fleet, some more than 30 years old.
The first new trains will come in to service this year, with all 54 trains expected to be running by 2026.
