The Docklands Light Railway?

Question

Does anyone else find it kind of scary travelling on the DLR when you know there isnt a driver on board?

It really scares me!!!

Answer 1

no.

Answer 2

WELL LOOK AT IT THIS WAY : Next time you use the tube or any other train take a look at the driver when the train pulls in. Then decide whether you prefer to be at the mercy of your driver or a computer and distant controller. In all fairness and without the intention to insult anyone I am very scared of the looks of some tube drivers.

Answer 3

It's no different to travelling on the Victoria and Central lines on the Underground. They're both fully automatic, and the Victoria line has been since it opened in the 1960s.

The 'driver' is there to operate the doors, override the automatic system if there is a fault and to manually drive the train in an emergency.

Answer 4

Me too, especially when it goes round bends!

Answer 5

I think it's all rather exciting, like taking your life in your hands!

Answer 6

No different to being on a plane on autopilot.......and parts of the London Underground have no drivers either.

Answer 7

I'm not really bothered.

The DLR is a closed system operating on raised, separated track, so the chances of anything going wrong (such as obstruction on the line) are minimal.

Answer 8

I've never been on the DLR, because I live in America, but I have been on the NY JFK AirTrain.  It's a little rail loop that goes around all of the terminals in John F. Kennedy International Airport, and connects with the subway at two separate stops.  It has no driver, and that doesn't bother me in the least, because I know that it's been tested extensively, and that it's safe.  Also, it goes relatively slow compared to the subway, and the ride is very smooth, so that makes it feel even safer.

Answer 9

As gerbil has pointed out, some of the Underground is automatic - however those trains DO have a driver in the cab, who can apply the brakes in an emergency.

The DLR will keep going even if there is an obstruction (or person) clearly visible on the line ahead. There is a member of staff on board, but he is usually standing in one of the doorways and probably wouldn't see any obstruction until too late.

I'm sure if they wanted to build the DLR now they wouldn't get permission, unless all platforms were sealed from the track behind a glass screen until the trains stops, as on the Jubilee extension.

Answer 10

What rot - there's a person known as a "Train Captain" on board all the time the trains are in passenger service - he controls the doors and signals back to the control centre when it's safe for the train to start off from a station. He can also drive it in case of any problems whatever they may be, usually in the case of a computer, communications or signalling failure. Who do you think it is who checks the tickets on board anyway - why, it's the T/Captain ! ! !

Answer 11

No it does not scare me as there is normally a conductor on board ready to take control from the pannel besides the doors.

Answer 12

If that scares you, then NEVER fly in a commercial airline.

The pilots are there for just three reasons:

     Take-off      

      Landing      

      Emergencies

When you are "up there", the computer takes over. It just sounds somewhat reassuring to have it called "auto pilot".

Answer 13

I think riding the DLR, which I do whenever I'm in London, is great fun and I've never been bothered by the absence of a driver. How long has the system been open? 20 years or so? And how many accidents have there been? And what great views you get as it zooms over the old docks, if you are lucky enough to get a front seat