Lewisham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – TfL has ruled out introducing a Docklands Light Railway (DLR) night service to Lewisham, confirming no overnight expansion will be implemented.
Only a few weeks have passed since Lewisham Council demanded more DLR hours in order to enhance south-east London’s transit connections.
The local government stated that a nighttime service on the DLR “could be delivered through a lesser level of investment” in the face of financing uncertainty around a Bakerloo line extension to Lewisham.
“The council believes that this could be achieved within the confines of the existing DLR network – possibly without the need for signalling improvements,”
the council said.
“The only possible barrier to implementing this service improvement is capacity of on-board staff.”
Despite the automated DLR, each train has a personnel member in charge of safety and customer service.
Additionally, TfL has dispelled the notion that a nighttime service would be added in the near future today, August 5.
Tom Page, general manager for the DLR, said:
“While there are currently no plans to introduce a night service on the DLR, we value all feedback from local stakeholders and communities.
Any services introduced on the transport network need to ensure value for our customers.”
A nighttime DLR service between Bank and Lewisham or Woolwich Arsenal was previously contemplated by transport executives, but they concluded that the project would not be cost-effective.
It was determined that the anticipated overnight demand for the DLR would not be high enough to bring in enough money for the operator.
Additionally, Lewisham Council proposed that the borough’s transportation connections might be enhanced via the “metroization” of current train lines.
This would entail TfL assuming control of mainline suburban rail services that are presently operated by other companies, such Southeastern.
TfL asserts that rail devolution would standardize pricing throughout the capital and that it has a history of providing dependable and reasonably priced train services.
However, Lewisham Council acknowledged that this strategy might necessitate further automation and would “be dependent on significant investment.”
Although London Mayor Sadiq Khan supports extending the Bakerloo line to Lewisham, he has not yet obtained government financing to begin construction.
It is anticipated that the project will cost up to £8 billion to finish, with trains beginning service as early as 2040.
What are the main reasons Lewisham Council favors a night DLR service?
It could be delivered with relatively low investment within the current DLR network, possibly without the need for expensive signaling upgrades, as the DLR is partially automated.
The council sees the night service as a boost to the night-time economy, which is vital for vibrant, safe, and accessible town centers. Night transport would support local businesses, venues, and shift workers, helping make Lewisham a more attractive destination during evening and night hours.
There is a practical need to improve night transport options, reducing reliance on slow and less convenient night buses, which would better connect Lewisham residents with other parts of London late at night and weekends.