Alan (in Brussels) wrote:
"Dave Arquati" a écrit dans le message de
...

big SNIP

Four-car trains were considered as part of the planning process but were
rejected at this stage as the infrastructure works would be
prohibitively disruptive. A light railway just isn't designed for the
sort of passenger numbers the DLR is now expected to deal with, and I
think these 3-car works are designed to plug the gap; the Woolwich
extension will make things worse, but hopefully the Jubilee signalling
upgrade and car addition will mitigate matters. Crossrail is needed.


Just why do you think "the Woolwich extension will make things worse"?
Surely, by providing another cross-river route further downstream, that
extension of the LCY branch will reduce the curent traffic demand on the
Lewisham extension, especially that coming from potential Crossrail
passengers. But, needless to say (?), all the station sites on the Woolwich
extension must be suitable for expansion to accommodate four-car trains,
even if fitted out for only two-car or three-car trains initially.

DLR passenger numbers are expected to soar once the Woolwich extension
opens; passengers won't just transfer from the Lewisham branch,
otherwise there wouldn't be much point building the Woolwich one.
The new passengers generated by the Woolwich branch will add to
congestion in the central area around Canary Wharf - although many may
opt to change to the Jubilee at Canning Town rather than use DLR all the
way.

All of the viaduct stations can probably be expanded easily; Woolwich
Arsenal is underground so that's a bit more risky. However, half of the
Woolwich trains will not be running through North Quay or Royal Mint
Street junctions - initially half will terminate at Canning Town, but in
future they will be extended via West Ham to Stratford International.
The signalling has been designed to accommodate 30tph which should
provide the necessary capacity for the near future solely using two-car
trains.

--
Dave Arquati
Imperial College, SW7
www.alwaystouchout.com - Transport projects in London