DLR extension boosts 2012 transport

Gold medallists Denise Lewis and Seb Coe as well as silver medallist Colin Jackson helped with the official opening of the extension at the new City Airport station.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone and Transport Minister Karen Buck were also on hand at the latest extension to the DLR.

Lord Coe, Chairman of London 2012, said: "Having only last week agreed with the International Olympic Committee the key transport milestones towards 2012, this is timely and impressive evidence of London's ability to deliver on its promises.

"London will be ready to host an outstanding Games with progress of other key transport schemes already well underway."

The London City Airport extension runs from Canning Town to King George V station at North Woolwich via London City Airport and will play an important part in 2012.

The line has four new stations which now connect local and airport passengers direct into the Tube system at Canning Town as well as providing a direct line to Canary Wharf and central London.

Mayor Livingstone said: "This extension is a vital new transport link which has been delivered on time and on budget.

"We are now starting to see the benefits of Transport for London's £10bn five-year investment programme.

"In December we will be expanding the capacity of the Jubilee line with another carriage on every train.

"The DLR extension will open up access to jobs and housing in the local area."

Jonathan Fox, Director of the DLR, said: "This extension is tremendously significant for the Southern Royal Docks area.

"It provides London City Airport with a dedicated rail link into the heart of the City, and will be instrumental in the ongoing regeneration of the local community and the preparations and support for London 2012."

The next stage of the DLR expansion will be the 2.5km extension from King George V under the Thames to Woolwich Arsenal, proposed venue for the 2012 shooting events.

6 December 2005