23.04.12
Olympics rail congestion ‘hotpots’ published
Details of Tube and rail ‘hotspots’ have been published to help people who live, work and travel in London to avoid during the Olympic Games this summer. Up to three million extra journeys are expected on the busiest days until the closing ceremony.
The information highlights which stations will be affected from July 2012, based on operational plans of TfL, Network Rail, train operating companies and ATOC. This includes detailed descriptions for previously announced pressure points as well as 53 additional Tube and DLR stations and five more London Overground stations.
TfL said that while about two-thirds of Tube and DLR stations will be unaffected, the spread of hotspot stations across the public transport network means the DLR, Central and Jubilee lines will be “exceptionally busy” at certain times.
Roads and stations leading to and the venues around east London, especially around the Olympic Park in Stratford, the ExCeL centre and Greenwich Park, in south east London, are expected to very busy.
Londoners are being advised to work from home, stagger their working hours, work longer for fewer days, take annual leave or switch to walking and cycling where possible to alleviate pressure on the transport system.
Transport secretary Justine Greening, said: “I encourage businesses and individuals to plan how they are going to travel this summer, so we can deliver a fantastic Games that the whole country can be part of and proud of.”
Organising committee chair Sebastian Coe said: “London and the UK is gearing up to welcome the world this summer when 15,000 athletes, 7,000 technical officials, thousands of media and millions of spectators will be travelling on our transport networks.
“As the success of the Games depends on all of us doing our bit to keep London and the UK moving, I'd like to urge everyone to plan now.”
Up to 5,000 TfL travel ambassadors and 8,000 volunteer London ambassadors are working across 35 locations, including airports, stations, tourist attractions and nearby Games venues to help visitors around.
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