LONDON'S NEW RAILWAY: ROBOTS OR TRAMS?

A discussion is presented of the uncertainty over which technology to choose for the new rail link for London's Docklands. It was originally planned to have trams, some of which in the Mile End Branch were to run for over 1 kilometer along existing streets. However, in order to give the Docklands a more space age image, the London Docklands Development Corporation are said to favour the use of driverless trains. These trains cannot however run along streets as only human drivers can respond to emergencies such as a pedestrian tripping on the tracks. Because of this uncertainty London Transport has only applied for powers to run trains from the city to the Docklands and the Mile End branch has been deferred until 1983 or 1984. The author criticises some of the planning processes which have resulted in inconvenient siting of termini both in the city and in the Docklands area.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02624079
• Corporate Authors:

  IPC Magazine Limited

  King's Reach Tower, Stamford Street
  London SE1 9LS,   England 
• Authors:
  • HAMER, M
• Publication Date: 1982-12-16

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 729
• Serial:
  • NEW SCIENTIST
  • Volume: 96
  • Issue Number: 1336
  • Publisher: REED BUSINESS INFORMATION LTD
  • ISSN: 0262-4079

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automated guideway transit; Automatic control; Automation; Crewless trains; Development; Intercity transportation; Light rail transit; Local government; Planning; Public transit; Railroad transportation; Technology; Transportation planning; Trolley cars; Urban transportation
• Identifier Terms: London Transport
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 3882: Automatic; 9013: Development; 388: Inter urban; 192: Local authority; 143: Planning; 744: Public transport; 1173: Rail bound transport; 3855: Technology; 1284: Tram; 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00373738
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 30 1983 12:00AM