Transport for London and operators of the Docklands Light Railway, KeolisAmey Docklands, have launched a six month trial to help make journeys on the network more accessible. To be known as Access DLR, the aim is to enable customers to travel who may otherwise encounter barriers.
Anyone who wants to take advantage of this trial would be able to pre-book an available timeslot for assistance with their journeys – either online or by phone at least two hours before their journey is due to be made. This will be available seven days a week between 0700 and 1900 each day. There may also be the opportunity for more short-notice requests by phone, although these would be subject to staff availability.
Those who have a confirmed booking will be met at the start of their journey (or other requested location on the network) by identifiable Access DLR staff who will be able to accompany them throughout their journey. It will be open to anyone aged 18 or over – and there will be no proof of disability requested to use the service.
Richard Graham, Managing Director of KeolisAmey Docklands, said: “KeolisAmey Docklands is excited to be delivering the Access DLR trial, in collaboration with TfL and its Independent Disability Advisory Group. We are committed to continuously improving the accessibility of the DLR and supporting TfL’s wider Equity in Motion plan. We look forward to the invaluable customer feedback this trial will provide.”
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.”
Feedback will be gathered during the trial on how the service works, hours of operation and potential demand for the service beyond the six month period.
Access DLR can be booked either by calling 08082 81 66 55 or online at https://bookwhen.com/DLR