Transport problems remain a major concern for the 2012 Olympic Games, a report by the LATC suggests.
Potential maintenance problems high on the LATC agenda
Transport problems remain a major concern for the 2012 Olympic Games, a report by the London Assembly Transport Committee suggests.
The committee, which is concerned with organising extra transport to cope with a city influx next summer, admits the problem still poses 'one of the biggest risks' to the success of the event.
With up to 5.3 million visitors expected at the Games in total, more than a million Olympic-related journeys are predicted on public transport over the busiest nine days.
There are 22 designated 'travel hotspots' expected for fans travelling to the 22 London venues, but maintenance problems could, in prospect, spark a transport meltdown.
Regular commuters are advised to seek alternative routes to work during the Games, with Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th of August outlined as potentially the busiest days.
The report read: "While on a good day the higher demand may be confined to a few 'travel hotspots', in the event of a broken-down train or a security incident, there would be a wider impact.
'Differences'
"Demand for transport services elsewhere is also possible as people seek alternative ways to make trips. All regular users of the transport system are likely to notice differences in 2012.
"Rail and Tube passengers will experience many more delays, crowding and queuing.
"The ODA (Olympic Delivery Authority) expects significant delays of over an hour on the Central and Jubilee lines and the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) network throughout the Games period if businesses and Londoners continue to use transport as they normally do.
"It suggests regular users avoid using these routes where possible."
Accessibility could be another issue as more than 23,000 spectators with reduced mobility may try to travel on the busiest days of the Games.
However, only about a quarter of London Tube stations and one-third of rail stations have step-free access from station to platform, though temporary ramps are some of the welcomed improvements being made at stations.
The report concluded: "A major failure of the transport system during the 2012 Games would have huge consequences for the way the London Games are remembered and for the long-term reputation of the capital.
Preperations
"Reducing the risk of this happening is therefore central to the preparations.
"Meeting the 2012 transport challenge will involve a massive co-ordinated effort between all the organisations involved.
"Much work has already happened and more actions will be taken in the year ahead. The committee welcomes the progress to date and supports the ongoing efforts."
LATC Chairman Val Shawcross believes they have sufficient resources and time to prevent potential travel chaos, but admits a degree of anxiety.
Ms Shawcross said: "We are reassured that what can be planned for is being planned for, but there is no doubt transport conditions will be extreme in 2012.
"It's better to be safe than sorry and the more detailed plans are, the more likely London's transport network will cope."
