A London train attraction has been launched: how to drive a train without a driver.

Exploring London on the DLR

According to The Sun: For many people, trains are just a way to get from point A to point B, but on one special train, you can feel like a driver. The DLR (Docklands Light Railway) is a driverless train in London, created in the 1980s to connect the city with the docks.

Watching the City

At the time of its opening, the system had only 11 single-component trains and 15 stations, but today there are 45, located on about 40 km of track. The Docklands area in east London, serviced by this train, has popular spots like Canary Wharf.

Among other important stops are Tower Gateway, Stratford, Greenwich, and London City Airport. Over the years, the DLR has been expanded multiple times, and in 1991, a branch to Bank was added.

The trains are fully automated, run on electric power, and travel on elevated tracks, offering excellent views of the city, sometimes even over the River Thames.

Recently, the DLR received an upgrade: 54 new trains with enhanced passenger capacity, air conditioning, and charging sockets for phones were introduced.

Some compare the ride on the DLR to roller coasters. On Reddit, one user wrote:

“Love sitting at the front when it leaves Bank as it feels like being on a ride.”

Another added:

“Always make sure I get the front DLR seat from Bank to Canary Wharf! Best rollercoaster ride ever.”

Children's Experience

Sitting in the front seat is especially interesting, as you can imagine you are driving the train. If you are lucky, some trains have interactive 'control panel' stickers in the front seat.

The cost of a single trip when paying cashless starts from £2.40. Consumer Department Manager of The Sun, Tary Evans, reported that drivers can be asked for free stickers, although they are not always available.

DLR General Manager Tom Page noted:

“Our operator, KeolisAmey Docklands, has come up with some great ways to make riding the DLR even more fun for children of all ages.'

If you're lucky, you may also receive a sticker that says 'I drove the DLR'.

“These little touches have been a big hit with our customers...,”

Passengers can also now travel by trains in the UK and pay for their ticket after boarding. This innovation is part of an experiment with an app being conducted on Northern Rail services.

When boarding, a passenger must open the app and press a button that records the start of the trip. After exiting the train, you need to go back into the app and press “end trip”. Shortly thereafter, the passenger will receive a notification about the cost of the trip, which will be charged at the end of the day.