London 2012 blog

In 1987, newspaper headlines reported that Margaret Thatcher had won her third election, Martina Navratilova and Pat Cash were Wimbledon champions, and the ‘Great Storm’ caused havoc across south east England. Also hitting the headlines in 1987 was the launch of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) – a key transport partner of ours – and I was pleased to attend its 20-year anniversary celebrations last week.

As I listened to DLR Chairman Ian Brown address the gathering at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, I was reminded of the significant successes the DLR has achieved since it embarked on its mission to service the Docklands population and help regenerate the Isle of Dogs.

Her Majesty the Queen officially opened DLR’s first 11-vehicle fleet that serviced 15 stations and carried 6.7 million passengers in its first year. Today, the DLR carries 62 million passengers a year to 38 stations through a 94-strong fleet. Quite a feat for a railway once dubbed by the press as a “Mickey Mouse railway to nowhere”!

In keeping with our policy of making the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games accessible for everyone, it is good to note that the DLR was also a pioneer in offering step-free access to all trains and platforms.

Over the coming years, the ODA will co-fund 22 of an additional 55 rail cars for the DLR and many rail upgrades. This will increase its capacity by 50 per cent, deliver three extensions and help it transport tens of thousands of spectators to five London 2012 venues. This will help keep our host city moving during the Games and will leave a highly valuable legacy to London and DLR users.

The celebration was a time to applaud DLR’s achievements and also a great chance to catch up with the wider transport community. I was delighted with the positive sentiment and enthusiasm surrounding the Games and by the encouraging feedback regarding our transport plans.

Over 20 years, the DLR has worked hard to become one of Britain’s most reliable and progressive railways. I am confident that as we continue to work hard together and with our quality partners over the next five years, news about a phenomenal and inclusive Games will dominate the headlines in 2012!