"PhilD" wrote in message
om...
Why does the Docklands Light Railway require "drivers" on the Becton
line? I know they don't drive in the conventional sense, but the
trains seem to cope alright west of Poplar, so why is a member of
staff up front required east thereof?

I always seem to forget about this, and have to give up my seat (and
good view)!

PhilD

Recently, when travelling on an empty-ish train back from Stratford, I asked
a train manager that exact question, and she said it was for two reasons:
Firstly, it allows them to see any objects placed on the line by vandals
(apparently a common occurrence on some stretches). Perhaps the Beckton
branch is especially bad for this? Secondly, they are instructed to do so
during busy periods, as on crowded trains it can be impossible to move to
the door to open them at stations. Also, I was told the unofficial reason is
late at night, train managers are often harassed by drunken passengers, and
putting them at the front keeps them out of harms way.

Hope this helps

Daniel.