ODA reveals 2012 transport plan

The Olympic Delivery Authority launched its transport plan for 2012 today. The body is in the process of hiring two programme management experts to help implement it. They will join the ODA’s transport department.

Olympics minister Tessa Jowell said that the transport plan aimed to ensure that all spectators arrived at the Games by either public transport, walking or cycling.

Those travelling by foot and bicycle are expected to account for 2% of spectators. The remainder will arrive via DLR, tube and the Olympic Javelin train. There will be no car parks close to the Olympic Park, with park and ride facilities planned instead.

Jowell added that 85% of London’s underground stations were to be fully accessible for disabled people by 2012.

The ODA unveiled a full scale model of the super-fast Javelin train at a press conference this morning. The trains will run from Kings Cross to Stratford International station in the Olympic site in 7 minutes.

Paul Neal, head of Olympic family and surface transport, ODA transport, said programme managers soon to be hired would be heavily involved in consultation with stakeholders.

The Olympic Transport Plan has been put out for public consultation, which is due to conclude in February. Click here to read and comment on the plan.

The Plans’ key points are:

• One train every 15 seconds will serve the Olympic 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, 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. (The family includes some 55,000 people comprising athletes, press and support staff.);
• 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.