Safety on the DLR

[HPFA]

Hi There

My daughter's going to a concert at the O2 on Wednesday night and has booked a hotel right next to Pudding Lane Station.

It looks fairly straightforward and quick - Tube from North Greenwich to Stratford on the Jubilee Line and one stop on the DLR to Pudding Lane.

Is the DLR generally safe/busy after 11 pm? Her alternative would be to get a taxi from Stratford station but obviously she'd prefer to save the money.

Any advice much appreciated!

Yes, the train captain is visible on the DLR, not as with a train where the driver is not visible once you are in the carriage.

Chance of a taxi limited and you'd feel much safer being on the move than waiting about at Stratford station.

Never heard of the artist your daughter is going to see, hope she enjoys it.

@LlynTegid

Thanks very much for that, I'd never heard of them either - it's some KPOP band that are hugely popular with teenagers apparently.

I've since worked out you can also do North Greenwich - Canary Wharf and transfer to the DLR there so she can't get on the "wrong" Tube at NG which is great.

She's 18 but it's her first independent gig/hotel stay outing so I'm trying to offer safety and travel information discreetly!

Just be aware that after a gig at the O2, the tube station will be completely rammed.

@AlisonDonut

Yes, I've been picking that up from other threads about the O2. Although I'm assuming it will be less busy to go the three stops in the Stratford direction than the one heading back to central London.

The DLR and The Jubilee line do not share the same station at Canary Wharf, there would be a short walk in an area I’m guessing she’s unfamiliar with. Perhaps not the best route.

@Walkinginthesand

Thank you, yes, I'm sure she'd be better off going to Stratford. The Canary Wharf option maybe should only be used if she gets on the wrong train!

Yes, the train captain is visible on the DLR, not as with a train where the driver is not visible once you are in the carriage.

DLR trains don't have drivers, they're largely unmanned and automated. They do have a thing in the front set of passenger seats that opens up to allow for manual driving, and occasionally you'll see a driver take over manual driving (which involves chucking passengers out of that seat), but it's not the norm.

Sometimes they have a staff member not driving but manually opening the side doors, too, but not always.

I take the DLR most days, and maybe a third of the time, I see a staff member on the train.

Having said that the DLR is as safe as any other form of public transport, and will be busy at that time of night.

Thanks @GreenistheGrass

The last DLR train from Stratford is 12:37 so even if there's a big queue at north Greenwich she should be OK.