PROTOTYPE CONCEPT - NOT OFFICIAL TfL | This is an independent campaign proposal
About This Campaign
A citizen-led proposal to modernise travel on the DLR
This campaign began at Poplar DLR station. I was already running late and both of the tap points were out of order—again—the only option was going to the other platform to try the other touch points there. The train I needed pulled in. I was on the wrong platform, rushing to get back. The doors closed. The train left—not because I was late, but because the system couldn't keep up.
Whilst we're fortunate to have frequent DLR services, I have to catch a connecting train at Tower Hill, and DLR services to Tower Gateway aren't as frequent as those to Bank—so timing matters. Missing one train doesn't just mean waiting a few minutes; it means missing my connection and adding 15-30 minutes to my journey depending on the time of day.
That's when I realised this wasn't just my problem—it affects thousands of passengers daily. Many stations or platforms only have a single touchpoint per platform, or two maximum. If one of those is out of service, or during rush hour, you're queuing for what feels like forever. And if there are users arriving and departing at the same time, it becomes a juggle as you try to let those trying to catch the next train tap in before you—an awkward dance of "no, you go first" whilst you wait to leave the station.
But the frustrations don't end there.
I was at Heron Quays DLR the other day. I get that some stations don't have barriers. But at this station, the validators aren't anywhere near where you'd see them in your eye line, or close to the stairs. I travel a lot around London and was completely baffled by this station—it's as if they've intentionally hidden the tap points so people don't pay. How many passengers miss them entirely? How much revenue is Transport for London losing simply because of poor placement?
Then there's the uncertainty. Did my tap register? The readers often lag, giving no immediate feedback. You tap, wait, see nothing, tap again—and suddenly you've double-charged yourself or, worse, invalidated your journey. There's no reassurance, no confirmation sound that works consistently, no clear display. You're left hoping for the best and dreading the penalty fare.
The broken infrastructure is relentless. One week it's Poplar. The next it's Westferry. Then Pontoon Dock. The validators rotate through a cycle of dysfunction like some kind of perverse rota. You start planning your route not around which train is fastest, but around which stations might actually let you tap in today.
Instead of just complaining like everyone else, I decided to do something about it. As a web developer, I knew the technology to solve this problem already exists. Airports use automatic check-in, museums use proximity detection, and retail stores use beacon technology. Why not public transport?
So I built this prototype in my spare time to demonstrate what's possible. What started as a weekend project has grown into a movement with so many supporters who share the same frustrations and believe in a better future for DLR travel.
Daily DLR Commuter & Web Developer
Hi, I'm Antonio Smith, a project manager and web developer based in East London who has been commuting on the DLR for several years. My daily journey takes me through some of the busiest stations on the network—Poplar, Canary Wharf, Tower Gateway—and I've experienced firsthand the challenges of the current tap system, from broken validators to platform-hopping queues that make me miss crucial connections.
As someone who works with technology every day, I'm passionate about using it to solve real-world problems. When I saw how existing technologies like Bluetooth beacons and automatic detection could transform the DLR experience, I knew I had to build a demonstration.
This isn't about replacing TfL's infrastructure—it's about enhancing it. Physical tap points would remain fully operational for everyone, whilst giving passengers who choose to opt in a faster, contactless alternative using their phones.
Want to get in touch about the campaign or discuss collaboration? Feel free to reach out via the contact page.
Phase 1: Build Prototype
✅ Completed - June 2024
Designed and developed a working prototype demonstrating how digital tap technology could function. Created comprehensive user interface with all 41 DLR stations integrated.
Phase 2: Gather Ongoing Support
🔄 Active - Continuous
Collecting votes and feedback from DLR passengers to demonstrate sustained public demand. Rather than a fixed target, we're building momentum through ongoing engagement, showing TfL there's genuine and growing interest in digital tap technology.
Phase 3: Ongoing TfL Engagement
🔄 Active - Continuous
We engage with TfL regularly through social media, sharing campaign statistics and passenger feedback. Monthly automated posts highlight growing support and demonstrate sustained demand for this improvement. Every vote and comment strengthens our case.
Phase 4: Build Critical Mass
🔄 Active - Ongoing
Rather than a fixed deadline, we're building sustained momentum. As vote numbers grow and real passenger stories accumulate, we'll compile compelling data packages for formal submission to TfL leadership, media outlets, and local councillors.
Phase 5: Advocate for Pilot Program
⏳ Future - When Ready
With substantial public backing, we'll formally propose a pilot programme at 2-3 high-traffic stations. Real-world testing would provide data on passenger adoption, system reliability, and operational benefits for TfL to evaluate.
Phase 6: Network-Wide Implementation
⏳ Vision - Long-term Goal
The ultimate vision: digital tap available at all 45 DLR stations, with physical tap points maintained permanently as backup. Success on the DLR could pave the way for expansion to other TfL services, modernising London's entire public transport network.
Is this an official TfL project?
No. This is an independent, citizen-led campaign. It is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing Transport for London (TfL) or Docklands Light Railway (DLR). This is a proposal from passengers, for passengers.
Will this actually happen?
That depends on sustained public support and TfL's response. We're building a compelling case through ongoing engagement, regular social media advocacy, growing vote numbers, and authentic passenger feedback. The more support we gather over time, the stronger our position. Many successful transport innovations started as citizen-led campaigns with persistent advocacy.
How can I help?
There are several ways to support:
- Vote to show your support
- Share the campaign with fellow DLR passengers
- Comment with your own experiences and suggestions
- Spread the word on social media
What about privacy and data security?
Privacy is a top priority. The proposed system would only track station entry and exit—not your movements on trains or between stations. All data would be encrypted and handled according to GDPR regulations. Users could opt-out anytime and use physical tap points as a backup option.
Will physical tap points be removed?
No. Physical tap points would remain as backup options permanently. Digital tap would be an additional option, not a replacement. This ensures everyone can travel comfortably, whether they prefer digital or physical tapping.
What if I don't have a smartphone?
Physical tap points would continue to work exactly as they do now. Digital tap is about adding convenience for those who want it, not removing options from those who don't. Everyone should be able to travel in the way that works best for them.
How much would this cost to implement?
While we don't have official cost estimates, similar beacon-based systems in other contexts (airports, retail) have proven relatively affordable. The infrastructure already exists—it's about adding beacons and software. Any implementation would need TfL's full feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis.
When will you present this to TfL?
We engage with TfL continuously through monthly social media posts and ongoing advocacy. Rather than waiting for a fixed target, we're building sustained momentum and compiling data packages as support grows. When we have substantial backing and compelling evidence, we'll pursue formal meetings with TfL leadership and present our case for a pilot programme.
We're currently in Phase 2 of our campaign. Here's what you can expect:
- Monthly TfL Engagement: We post regular updates to TfL on social media, sharing growing vote counts and passenger feedback to maintain visibility.
- Data Compilation: As support grows, we compile comprehensive data packages with statistics, passenger stories, and usage patterns to present to TfL, media, and councillors.
- Community Feedback: Your comments and suggestions help strengthen our proposal. We're listening and incorporating feedback into our ongoing advocacy.
- Transparency: Whether TfL engages positively or needs more convincing, we'll share developments with all supporters and keep the campaign momentum going.
This is a long-term, sustained campaign. Persistent advocacy and growing public support demonstrate genuine demand. Even if change doesn't happen immediately, every vote strengthens our case and keeps digital tap on TfL's radar for future consideration.
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.