PROTOTYPE CONCEPT - NOT OFFICIAL TfL | This is an independent campaign proposal
The Problem
Current Pain Points with Physical Tap Systems
The current physical tap-in/tap-out system creates several issues for London passengers
Rush Hour Queues
Long queues form at tap points during peak times, especially at busy stations like Canary Wharf and Bank, causing passengers to miss trains.
Accessibility Issues
People with mobility aids, parents with buggies, or those carrying luggage struggle to reach tap points, especially when crowded.
Failed Tap-Outs
Passengers sometimes can't reach tap-out points before doors close, resulting in maximum fare charges and frustration.
Station Congestion
Physical tap points create bottlenecks at station entrances and exits, slowing down passenger flow and reducing efficiency.
Hygiene Concerns
High-touch tap points require regular cleaning and can be a concern for passengers, especially during flu season or health crises.
Limited Data Collection
Current tap systems provide basic journey data but miss opportunities for better route optimisation and service improvements.
The Solution
Digital Tap: A Better Way to Travel
Our proposed digital tap system eliminates physical touch points and enables seamless, automatic journey tracking
Automatic Detection
Your phone automatically detects when you enter and exit stations using Bluetooth beacon technology. No manual tapping required.
Zero Queues
Walk straight onto the platform without stopping. No more missing trains because of tap point queues during rush hour.
Fully Accessible
Perfect for passengers with mobility issues, parents with buggies, or anyone carrying luggage. No physical interaction needed.
No More Maximum Fare
System automatically registers your exit even if you can't physically tap out. Fair charging every time.
Contactless & Hygienic
No touching shared surfaces. Better for public health and passenger peace of mind.
Better TfL Analytics
Provides TfL with detailed journey data for route optimisation, capacity planning, and service improvements.
Benefits
Why Digital Tap?
User Benefits
Contactless Convenience
Tap in and out using your smartphone - no need to reach for physical tap points.
Faster Boarding
Skip the queues at tap points and board trains more quickly during rush hour.
Accessibility
Easier access for passengers with mobility issues or those carrying luggage.
TfL Benefits
Improved Passenger Flow
Reduce congestion at stations by eliminating bottlenecks at tap points.
Reduced Fare Evasion
Digital tracking makes it harder for passengers to avoid paying fares.
Enhanced Analytics
Better data collection for route optimisation and service improvements.
Integration
Seamless TfL Network Integration
Our digital tap system integrates seamlessly with existing TfL infrastructure, supporting both Oyster cards and contactless payments.
TfL Account Required
Users must have a registered TfL account to access the digital tap system, ensuring security and fare collection.
Oyster & Contactless Support
Full compatibility with existing Oyster cards and contactless payment methods for a unified experience.
Network-Wide Implementation
Designed to work across all TfL services including DLR, Underground, Overground, and Elizabeth line.
Real Scenarios
Who Would Benefit Most?
Digital tap would make a real difference for many London passengers
"As a parent with young children..."
"Managing a buggy and two toddlers while trying to tap in and out is nearly impossible during rush hour. Digital tap would be a game-changer for families like mine."
- Parent commuter, Canary Wharf
"Living with mobility issues..."
"Using a walking frame makes it difficult to reach tap points, especially when they're crowded. Automatic tapping would remove this daily stress."
- Daily DLR user, Lewisham
"During morning rush hour..."
"I've missed my train countless times because of the queue at the tap point. Five seconds can be the difference between making it to work on time or being late."
- Office worker, Bank station
"Travelling with luggage..."
"Wheeling a suitcase while trying to tap out is awkward and slows everyone down. Automatic detection would speed up station flow for everyone."
- Frequent traveler, City Airport
"Got charged maximum fare..."
"The tap out reader wasn't working and I got charged £7.20 instead of £2.80. This happens more often than you'd think."
- Regular commuter, Stratford
"Health and hygiene..."
"After the pandemic, I'm more conscious about touching shared surfaces. A contactless system would be better for everyone's health."
- Health-conscious traveler
How It Works
The Technology Behind Digital Tap
Simple, secure, and proven technology adapted for transport
Each station would have Bluetooth beacons that communicate with your smartphone. When you enter a station, your phone automatically registers the tap-in. When you leave, it registers the tap-out.
This technology is already used in airports, retail stores, and museums worldwide. It's proven, reliable, and energy-efficient.
Your privacy is protected. The system only needs to know when you enter and exit stations - no tracking of your movements between stations or on trains.
All data is encrypted and handled according to GDPR regulations. You can opt-out anytime and use physical tap points as a backup.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology uses minimal battery power - less than 1% per day. Your phone is likely already using Bluetooth for other features.
The app runs in the background and only activates when near a TfL station, further minimizing battery usage.
If approved by TfL, implementation would be gradual. Starting with a pilot program at 2-3 stations, gathering feedback, and refining the system before network-wide rollout.
Physical tap points would remain as a backup option throughout the transition and beyond, ensuring everyone can travel comfortably.
Current vs Proposed
See the Difference
- Must physically touch tap point
- Queues at busy stations
- Can miss trains while tapping
- Difficult with luggage/mobility aids
- Failed tap-outs = maximum fare
- High-touch surfaces (hygiene)
- Limited journey data
- Automatic detection (no touching)
- No queues - walk straight through
- Faster boarding - catch your train
- Fully accessible - hands-free
- Automatic tap-out - fair fares
- Contactless - better hygiene
- Rich data for TfL improvements
Important Disclaimer
This is an independent citizen campaign concept. This website and prototype are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing Transport for London (TfL), Docklands Light Railway (DLR), or any official transport authority. This is a demonstration of how digital tap technology could work to improve the DLR experience. All trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.