The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is an automated light metro system primarily serving the redeveloped Docklands area of London and providing a direct connection between London's two major financial districts, Canary Wharf and the City of London. First opened on 31 August 1987, the DLR has been extended multiple times, giving a total route length of 38 km. Lines now reach north to Stratford, south to Lewisham, west to Tower Gateway and Bank in the City of London financial district, and east to Beckton, London City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal. An extension to Thamesmead is currently being proposed.
A DLR train at Canary Wharf station
Tower Gateway DLR station was the DLR's original link to central London.
A first generation DLR train crosses West India Dock in September 1987
The view from Tower Gateway looking east prior to rebuilding shows Fenchurch Street approach tracks to the left and the DLR line in the centre. Just visible in the distance is a DLR train that has emerged from the tunnel to Bank to the right.
Medium-capacity rail system
A medium-capacity system (MCS), also known as light rapid transit or light metro, is a rail transport system with a capacity greater than light rail, but less than typical heavy-rail rapid transit. MCS's trains are usually 1–4 cars. Most medium-capacity rail systems are automated or use light rail type vehicles.
Glasgow Subway
Rapid KL – Kelana Jaya Line
Taipei MRT Wenhu Line (Brown Line)
Toronto subway's former Line 3 Scarborough was fully integrated with the rest of the heavy rail network, despite using light metro technology.
