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 ODA’s 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 includes:
- trebling capacity and improving accessibility at Stratford Regional station, with work finished by the end of 2010;
- a three-car instead of two-car train service on the DLR to boost on-board capacity by 50 per cent on the majority of the network by 2010;
- completion of the new DLR extension to Woolwich Arsenal in February next year; and
- projects from the £10m to deliver new and improved walking and cycling routes.
The ODA’s 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 per cent, 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.
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. Stratford Regional Station, for example, currently has 37,000 daily commuters during the morning peak, and we predict that this will rise to 83,000 by 2016. Commuters will benefit from our capacity and accessibility enhancements to the station two years before the Games.
'Ranging from a new DLR station in Stratford to improved transport coordination across the UK, there is no doubt that the Games will deliver unprecedented transport improvements for London long after 2012.'
Peter Hendy, Commissioner for Transport for London said: 'We are getting on with delivering better public transport, cycling and walking facilities well before 2012.
'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.'
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