I think it's about time we reviewed our Stratford International DLR Sweepstake. That's the DLR extension which refuses to open, despite being at least seven months overdue. Here's a snapshot from the DLR Connections map published this time last year, which clearly shows the new line opening in autumn 2010. Target missed by miles. Normally when a contractor fails to deliver a transport project (eg the Jubilee line upgrade overrun), TfL get very cross in public. But on this occasion they've been suspiciously silent - no moans, no apologies. It's almost as if they're not bothered the new DLR extension's not yet operational. Why run trains to the middle of a building site, with minimal passenger numbers, when you could simply pretend the line's not ready yet? Better to wait until the new Westfield shopping mall opens in September, launch the new line with a splash, and save yourself a year's worth of projected running costs. That's only my hunch you understand, and totally without evidence, but something peculiar's definitely going on here.
What we do now know for sure is that the DLR extension won't open this month. The operating company are planning an emergency simulation test on 7th August, to test out the new line "prior to the opening". They may even still be looking for volunteers, if you fancy seven hours on a stranded train plus a free lunch. That pushes the earliest possible opening date back to mid-August, most probably later, on the ghost railway that refuses to be born. Expect the 'next train' indicators at Stratford International to remain blank for some weeks yet.
You thought the Stratford International DLR Extension would open... » June:Island Resident, martin, John » July:Herb of Romford, peel_acres, Dan, Adam S, Waterhouse, Chingford Flaneur, Dominic, gt » w/b 7th Aug: EskimoPie, FishIslandSkin » w/b 14th Aug: Mark Garth, Mark P » w/b 21st Aug: Timbo, PC, SELondoner, H » w/b 28th Aug: Barry, Karen, Daniel, Blue Witch » w/b 4th Sept: diamond geezer, CornishCockney » w/b 11th Sept: D-Notice, swirlythingy, Dave B » w/b 18th Sept: Peewit, Richard » w/b 25th Sept: Matthew Dickinson » October or later: allotmentqueen, arobba
I think it's about time we reviewed our Stratford International DLR Sweepstake. That's the DLR extension which refuses to open, despite being at least seven months overdue. Here's a snapshot from the DLR Connections map published this time last year, which clearly shows the new line opening in autumn 2010. Target missed by miles. Normally when a contractor fails to deliver a transport project (eg the Jubilee line upgrade overrun), TfL get very cross in public. But on this occasion they've been suspiciously silent - no moans, no apologies. It's almost as if they're not bothered the new DLR extension's not yet operational. Why run trains to the middle of a building site, with minimal passenger numbers, when you could simply pretend the line's not ready yet? Better to wait until the new Westfield shopping mall opens in September, launch the new line with a splash, and save yourself a year's worth of projected running costs. That's only my hunch you understand, and totally without evidence, but something peculiar's definitely going on here.
