London 2012 'Public Transport Games' Plan launched

Detailed plans to ensure that the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are the best connected ever were unveiled by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today.

At the heart of the 'Olympic Transport Plan' is the goal of encouraging 100% of spectators to travel to the Games by public transport, walking and cycling. The Plan is now going out to consultation.

The Plan outlines that:

• One train every 15 seconds will serve the Park, with the rail system carrying 240,000 people per hour an increase of 100,000 on the usual daily rate;
• The Javelin rail service, the bullet train at the heart of the rail plans, will speed spectators from Central London to Stratford International Station in the Olympic Park in just 7 minutes;
• London will use an Olympic Route Network of major roads to transport the athletes and other members of the 'Olympic Family' to ensure that they get to their venues on time;
• Transport plans will be sustainable, minimising environmental impacts wherever possible. The on-going renewal of the bus, train and taxi fleets will ensure that London's transport is at the forefront of low emissions technology and walking and cycling will be encouraged - with new cycle lanes and walking routes connecting the Park into the wider London networks.

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said:

"London 2012 will provide the best transport to and from the Games in Olympic history. The reliability of the transport will be an incentive for almost all those going to the Games to use public transport; and that public transport will provide a legacy to benefit Londoners for generations to come."

London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Sebastian Coe said:

"Our transport plans were a key strength of our bid. To have our Transport Plan ready six years before the Games is unprecedented. We will keep London moving during the Games for everyone - for athletes, spectators and the general public.

"I want to see athletes competing not commuting, and spectators watching not waiting. This Transport Plan is the first step to making this vision a reality."

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone said:

"The Olympic Transport Plan is central to the success of the 2012 Games, and shows our commitment to making them the most sustainable Games ever.

"With more than £17 billion being spent on improving London's transport system over the next five years, the 2012 Games is set to deliver a lasting legacy for all Londoners and improve the quality of life in some of the most deprived areas of the city."

Transport Minister Tom Harris said:

"Many of the projects which will make the London Olympic Games a success were already under way when the bid was made.

"Since then we have announced other schemes which will be completed in good time to support the Games, and bring real, lasting improvements for people travelling in the capital. These include the King's Cross Northern Ticket Hall, Western Concourse, and Thameslink Midland Road station.

"We have continued to make good progress. The DLR extension to London City Airport opened in December, on budget and ahead of time. And just last week my Department announced that it had awarded TfL the powers to proceed with a new extension between Canning Town and Stratford International Station. This is a key part of the Games Transport Plan and will bring wide-ranging benefits to the east end of London as a whole."

Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said:

"Historically the Lower Lea Valley has suffered from poor transport links and this has been a major obstacle to its redevelopment.

"These transport improvements for the Games will help transform the Lower Lea Valley to one of the best connected areas in the capital, bringing economic and social benefits that go far beyond 2012, and far beyond sport.

"Early consultation with a wide range of stakeholders will encourage challenge and improve our plans. We are determined that London 2012 will leave a legacy to be proud of."

Notes to Editors:

1. The ODA is the single delivery body responsible for creating the venues and infrastructure for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in London in 2012.

2. The full document the Transport Plan for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games has been published in draft for consultation. Click here to find out more

3. The ODA is inviting views on the content of the first draft to help shape the first Full Plan, which will be published in summer 2007. It is anticipated that two further editions of the plan will be prepared, one in 2009 and another in late 2010/early 2011.

The draft plan has been developed through close collaboration with stakeholders, including the following key agencies:

• The Highways Agency;
• Department for Transport Rail Group;
• Network Rail;
• Train Operating Companies;
• LCR (London & Continental Railways) including Union Railways (North);
• BAA (British Airports Authority); and
• Delivery Authorities, including London Boroughs and local authorities across the UK.

These and other 'delivery partners' will continue to play a major role as the ODA moves into the detailed planning and operational phases.

4. Images of the Javelin train and the transport networks planned for the Games are available from the ODA press office on the number below.

Media Enquiries

Contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on 020 3 2012 700