Government urges commuters and businesses to travel differently during London 2012
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 8:23 AM 
A Transport Minister today urged commuters and businesses in London to think differently about how they travel during the Olympic Games writes Dinesh Raja, Managing Partner. Norman Baker was marking a year to go before what is likely to be one of the busiest days for the transport network.
Modelling by the organisers of the Games predicts that 3 August 2012 will see an additional 3 million trips on top of the 12 million trips on public transport made on an average London workday. This is due to it being the first day for track and field, and with events at larger capacity venues such as the Olympic Stadium, Horse Guards Parade and the Aquatics Centre the number of spectators are likely to peak.
In order to manage the increased number of people using the Capital’s transport network, the Government wants commuters and Londoners to travel and work differently during the Games. For example commuters who live near work, or travel short distances within central London, are being urged to cycle or walk to work.
Those who live further away are being encouraged to try different routes; stagger their journey times to avoid the busiest periods; work remotely; or use video conferencing for meetings.
Norman Baker said: “I am the first ever transport minister to have official responsibility for alternatives to travel and the Olympics will be a key time to really embrace these ideas. It’s time to oil the creaking bike, dig out the walking boots … and fire up the laptop gathering dust at the back of the cupboard.”
The Department for Transport has committed to reduce the travel footprint of the department by 50% at Games time. DfT staff will reduce commuting, keep business travel to a minimum, and rearrange deliveries and collections where possible. The Department is testing out different ways of working and travelling in a trial week.
Transport connections for businesses located in Stratford continue to improve: a 50% increase in DLR capacity with line extended to Woolwich and, soon, Stratford International, extra capacity on the Jubilee line – with an increase from 24 to 27 trains an hour - by the end of July; extra capacity on the Central line, refurbished and extended London Overground services on the North London line, Stratford station essentially rebuilt and even the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme will reach Stratford by 2012!
Businesses of all sizes who wish to sign up for the free 2012 travel advice can email keeponrunning@london2012.com or visit www.london2012.com/traveladviceforbusiness for more information.
