DOCKLANDS JUST GOES ON GROWING

The Lewisham extension to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) has successfully provided an alternative route for Connex Rail commuters to Canary Wharf by bypassing the previous change needed at the Central London termini. Opened two months ahead of schedule in 1999, the line has carried 10M passengers in its first year and now has an increase of 15% in commuters to the City. The DLR currently makes 37M journeys annually and is planning to increase this to 55M in three years time with the benefit of improved signalling, additional trains and new infrastructure. Future developments discussed are generally tied in with regeneration programmes of local authorities such as providing a link to the new ExCel exhibition centre on the Beckton branch line when new rolling stock becomes available shortly. Another very important extension planned is around the south side of the Victoria and Albert docks to provide a link to London City Airport in an area planned for regeneration.