TfL’s new DLR timetable promises quicker and easier journeys

Credit: Transport for London

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that customers will benefit from quicker, easier and more comfortable journeys across the DLR network with the introduction of a new timetable from 26 September 2022. The changes will help people access housing, employment and leisure opportunities more easily across Docklands and east London.

Since the opening of the Elizabeth line in May 2022 and with people travelling to the office and leisure activities more frequently, the way customers use the DLR has changed. The new timetable will help ensure there are more trains available where people need them.

The new timetable will mean more frequent services will run for longer in the evening and on weekends, supporting an increase in leisure travel. The changes also help minimise interchange waiting times with the Elizabeth line at Canary Wharf, Custom House and Stratford stations – making journeys across the city even quicker. 

All DLR routes will benefit from more frequent services, helping to reduce waiting times and minimise crowding, especially at the busiest times.

Tom Page, TfL’s General Manager for the DLR, said: “It is fantastic to see customers regularly using the DLR again and we want to make sure the timetable provides the best possible service. The changes will help our customers complete their journeys more quickly and easily.”

Long-term UK government settlement agreed with Transport for London

Main service changes

Stratford to Canary Wharf

Weekday peak services will run every four minutes rather than the current six to seven minutes, while
daytime and early evening services will run every five minutes rather than every ten minutes.

Stratford to Lewisham via Canary Wharf

Every other train from Stratford, during weekday morning peak services, will continue to Lewisham providing a service every two to four minutes between Canary Wharf and Lewisham.

Canning Town to Beckton

The Canning Town to Beckton shuttle is being re-introduced during the off-peak and being introduced for the first time during the peak. The shuttle will complement existing services, which means a service will operate on the route every four minutes during the morning and evening weekday peaks, currently every eight minutes, and every five minutes during off-peak daytimes throughout the week.

Improved services in the evening and at weekends

The timetable change will mean more frequent services will run for longer in the evening and on weekends. 

Further improvements will be made across the DLR network, including modern, walk-through, air-conditioned trains, which are due to enter service from 2024. These will provide further significant improvements to waiting times, crowding and customer experience, as well as supporting housing growth and economic re-development across the Docklands and east London.