Royal Albert DLR station
{{short description|Docklands Light Railway station}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2012}}
{{Infobox London station |symbol = dlr
| name = Royal Albert
| image_name=Royal Albert stn eastbound.JPG
| caption = The station in 2008
| manager = Docklands Light Railway
| fare_zone = 3
| locale = Beckton
| borough = London Borough of Newham
| events1 =Opened
| years1=28 March 1994
| platforms= 2
| access = yes
| access_note = {{Citation step free tube map}}
| coordinates = {{coord|51.5083|0.0459|type:railwaystation_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
}}
Royal Albert DLR station is a station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in Beckton in east London. The station serves the western end of the north quay of the Royal Albert Dock, from which it takes its name. A view of the London City Airport is available.
The station is located on an elevated section of the DLR's Beckton branch, between Prince Regent and Beckton Park stations. It is in Travelcard Zone 3.
History
The station was opened on 28 March 1994. There was previously a station called Connaught Road on the Eastern Counties and Thames Junction Railway in the same area but this closed in 1940.
It was originally planned that in 2010 work would start on extending the platforms at Royal Albert to handle three-car trains, which are being introduced across the DLR. The extension would have been at the east end of the station, bringing the platforms closer to Royal Docks Road, although no new access steps were planned. The platforms have not however been extended, and although metal catwalks have been installed, these are too narrow for non-emergency use and Selective Door Operation is used instead.
2010 should have also seen Royal Albert served by a second DLR service. The existing route between Beckton and Tower Gateway would have been supplemented by a second service between Beckton and Stratford International via Canning Town using the new DLR tracks from Canning Town to Stratford International. However this extension was severely delayed and didn't open until 31 August 2011.
Services
The typical off-peak service in trains per hour from Royal Albert is:{{cite web|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/dlr/timetable/dlr/|title=DLR train timetables|work=Transport for London|access-date=8 August 2023}}
- 12 tph to {{stn|Canning Town}} of which 6 continue to Tower Gateway
- 12 tph to Beckton
Additional services call at the station during the peak hours, increasing the service to up to 16 tph in each direction.
{{s-rail-start}}
{{s-rail|title=DLR}}
{{rail line|previous=Prince Regent
{{smalldiv|towards Tower Gateway}}|next=Beckton Park
{{smalldiv|towards Beckton}}|route=Docklands Light Railway|col={{rcr|DLR}} }}
{{end}}
Design
During disruption, Royal Albert acts as a terminus with a shuttle between Royal Albert and Beckton. {{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} This is possible because there is a crossover to the west of the station.
Location
The station is further from the nearest houses than any other on the DLR, despite which it has a steady patronage from those living in the area of Beckton to the north. In fact the station signage is subtitled "For West Beckton". However, the access route from these houses to the station, crossing the busy Royal Albert Way on the level, is notably substandard, the only footbridge being some distance away.
Following the relocation of many London Borough of Newham council staff to the Building 1000 offices adjoining the station, usage has increased substantially during office hours.
The station serves the London Regatta Centre and Royal Docks Business Park which houses Newham Council.
London Buses routes 300 and 376 serves the station.
Gallery
{{Commons category|Royal Albert DLR station}}
Image:Royal Albert stn eastbound.JPG|Looking east
Image:Royal Albert stn westbound.JPG|Looking west
Image:Royal Albert stn signage.JPG|Signage on eastbound platform
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/transportaccessibility/dlr/3244.aspx Docklands Light Railway website – Royal Albert station page]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Royal Albert Dlr Station}}
Category:Docklands Light Railway stations in the London Borough of Newham