rant:
slow, squeky, slow
and another job offer that wants me to go through hell before and after.
silent scream
But you get to sit in the front and pretend to drive though!
They're getting some new trains soon aren't they?
this post was submitted on 10 Jul 2023
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UKCasual
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Granted I've only used it once, but from an outsider perspective the idea that you've got a little train that goes around the city is bloody amazing.
Designed to not need a driver, yet there's always at least one guy standing next to the first set of doors constantly using the manual override key. Seems a bit useless to me.
DLR trains have never been designed to be un-staffed. The members of staff on board are called PSAs (Passenger Service Agents) or when the system orginally opened: "Train Captains".
During normal service they're responsible for operating the doors, ensuring the train is safe to depart each station and assisting passengers. However they're also required to drive the trains manually within the depots and also in the event of technical problems with the ATO (Automatic Train Operation) system. DLR trains can't move under ATO without a PSA using the control panel by the doors.
Its also worth remembering that 8 tube lines are also fitted with ATO (Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Northern, District, Circle, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan) and the drivers on these lines have a similar role during normal service (except they sit in the cab and they're officially known as "Train Operators").
If you're interested in the role of the PSAs, heres an old training video showing how they'd rescue a failed train, things will have changed since 1988 but its still interesting to see.
i think the only reason to have staff on board is to make ppl move quicker and to avoid someone blocking the closing door.
Thankfully, I no longer live in London, but I always quite liked the DLR. At least you get a view when it's doing the slow-squeaky-slow thing, which is more than you get on most central tube lines.
But don't you love sitting in the front near shadwell and plungung into the depths?
Also into Bank.
i ve never been to that direction, yet. I am still planning a 28 days later tour :)
I used to get it daily before Covid and now it's once a week. I always find it quite plesent compared to other lines in London. Big spacy carriages, rarely too packed, fast routes.
Forgot to tap out once and that's ten quids to the TfL.