The 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London have recently concluded, with the focus throughout on the athletes. But a strong supporting “team” was Transport for London (TfL), which provided Tube (subway), light rail, and “regular” rail to and from the Olympic events. In fact, these components of the public transportation network carried more people to and from Olympic venues than at any other time in their respective histories.

The Tube reported more than 60 million trips during the Olympics—30 percent above normal levels, higher than at any previous point in its 149 years of operation. Dockland Light Railway saw more than 6 million trips—an increase of more than 100 percent—while London Overground listed nearly 6 million trips—a 47 percent increase.

All TfL transportation networks provided additional services and ran longer hours during the games, including a “third peak” service on some lines on the busiest days of competition.

To improve capacity and reliability of services across London and the United Kingdom, TfL invested £6.5 billion. Officials also conducted pre-tests of all operations plans (through both live and tabletop exercises) to ensure that no plans would be “live” for the first time during the Games. In addition, TfL provided a new website to help people plan their journeys.

TfL Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy CBE said: “We are proud to have played our part in delivering a great Olympic Games.” In noting the record-breaking numbers of trips taken by the public, he added: “By changing the way you traveled, you helped support the games and kept London moving.”

Transport for London Press London crowds greet a TfL Routemaster bus carrying the Olympic Torch.

 

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