London trains could get cardboard steering wheels to boost passengers’ fun
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan revealed the measure is being considered for Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cardboard steering wheels could be added to trains in London to boost the experience of passengers pretending to drive them, Sadiq Khan said.
The Mayor of London revealed the measure is being considered for Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services.
Stickers featuring the message ‘driving the train’ will be trialled this month.
TfL will consider how it brings to life the driving the DLR experience for children. This could involve cardboard steering wheels
DLR trains are fully automated and operate without a driver, but have a member of staff on board who can take control in an emergency.
This leads to the front seats often being filled by transport enthusiasts young and old pretending to drive the train.
Liberal Democrat London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon asked Mr Khan if the roll-out of new DLR trains starting this year will promote the hobby.
In a written response on December 28, the mayor stated: “Transport for London (TfL) will be trialling ‘driving the train’ vinyl stickers trialled across 10 trains in January 2024, and is exploring a number of other customer and community engagement activities to support the introduction of new DLR trains.
“As part of this, TfL will consider how it brings to life the driving the DLR experience for children. This could involve cardboard steering wheels.
“TfL will review learnings from the front seat ‘driving the train’ vinyl sticker trial in early 2024 before finalising plans.
“The roll-out of new trains will also be supported by an integrated marketing and communications campaign to demonstrate that TfL is investing to improve customers’ journeys.”