Transport improvements on track

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has published a 
document which shows that residents and commuters 
will benefit from the major London 2012 transport projects as early as 2010

The plans are outlined in “pace”, the second in a series of progress reports on 2012 transport planning, which explains how the ODA is investing £500m in infrastructure to develop and deliver transport facilities that are needed before, during and beyond the 2012 Games.

The substantial investment will leave the UK and London with a range of new transport assets, including new trains, platforms, lifts and bigger stations for commuters. There will also be wider benefits, such new transport hubs for deprived areas of London, an increase in the number of people using a wider range of 
public transport and encouraging more active lifestyles by 
promoting walking and cycling.

Work that will be finished well before the Games includes trebling the capacity and improving accessibility at Stratford Regional station, introducing a three-car instead of two-car train service on the DLR to boost on-board capacity by 50 percent, completion of the new extension to Woolwich Arsenal in February next year as well as projects from the £10m delivering new and improved walking and cycling routes.

ODA Director of Transport Hugh Sumner said: “The Games 
will be the catalyst for improved transport links, which are needed to support revitalised communities and future 
generations in London long after 2012.” The investment will complement the extensive transport projects across London and the UK that are being taken forward by the ODA’s delivery partners. From the first phase of the Thameslink project and work to boost capacity on the Jubilee Line by 25 percent, to improvements to the East London Line and a new western concourse at Kings Cross Station, this work will provide 
significant long-term benefits to commuters.

Peter Hendy, Commissioner for Transport for London said: 
“In the year ahead there are milestones in the upgrade of the Tube, the East London line and the DLR extensions to Woolwich Arsenal and Stratford International as well as for cycling and 
walking. Together this will increase the capacity, reliability and security of the network so that we are ready to host the 2012 Games and meet the future needs of London.”

On a seperate note, the ODA have announced that its appointed security guarding contractor will be working with them and five host Boroughs to help local residents access the new jobs created by plans to increase the security of the Olympic Park. As part of a strategy to enhance the security and safety as work on the Park accelerates, G4S Security Services UK has been appointed to provide security guarding. The company aims to train and employ local residents to help it fulfil the contract, which runs up to the start of the London 2012 Games, and to provide long term career opportunities thereafter. All security guarding opportunities will be advertised in the local media around the Olympic Park and through the local Job Centre Plus network.