What are the lessons and legacy from 2012 transport?

Transport in London performed well during London 2012 despite carrying record numbers of passengers[1]. What can be learned from this success under pressure that could improve the everyday operation of the network? And what kind of transport legacy has the Games left behind?

The London Assembly Transport Committee is reviewing the main lessons learned from transport arrangements during the Games, and identifying ways the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) can maximise the transport legacy for Londoners.

Kicking off with a public hearing next month[2], the Committee will look at elements of Games transport including: how freight and road traffic was managed; travel information and signage; accessibility measures; emergency response arrangements for problems like signal failures; and coordination between different transport agencies.

With more than £6.5billion invested in 2012 transport[3], Committee Members are keen that any successful measures are kept in place, and that the benefits of any new infrastructure or ways of working are maximised.

To help shape the review, Members would also like Londoners to share their experiences of transport during the Games[4].

Chair of the Transport Committee, Caroline Pidgeon AM, said:

“There’s no denying that Games-time transport was a huge success thanks to the efforts of both transport operators and Londoners themselves.

“The key issue now is that passengers continue to benefit from any approaches that were used during the Games to reduce delays or to improve the accessibility of transport services.

“Our review is also about ensuring any new infrastructure is used to its maximum benefit so London is left with a real return on the huge investment in Games transport.”

The terms of reference for the Committee’s review are:

• To review the operation of the transport system during the 2012 Games and identify the main lessons learned for normal operations and future events;
• To explore the hard and soft features of the 2012 transport legacy and the work taking place to deliver this legacy; and
• To identify any further actions that should be taken by the Mayor and TfL to maximise the transport legacy from the 2012 Games.

Notes to editors:

1. During the Olympics, many modes carried record numbers of passengers whilst maintaining high levels of service. The Tube carried over 60 million passengers (30 per cent more than usual) with service reliability of 97 per cent, the DLR carried over seven million passengers (more than double the usual number) with service reliability of 99 per cent, and London Overground carried nearly six million passengers (47 per cent more than normal) with service reliability of 98 per cent. TfL reported that public transport performed well because, as planned, around one-third of regular users changed their behaviour.
2. The meeting will be held on 13 November 2012 at City Hall.
3. Around £6.5billion was spent on new infrastructure for London 2012, including the Jubilee line upgrade; extensions to the DLR; the Javelin train service; redevelopment of stations including Stratford and Green Park; and new cycling and walking routes. Further money was spent on operating the transport system during the Games.
4. Please email transportcommittee@london.gov.uk or tweet @LondonAssembly by 2 November 2012.
5. More details about the Committee’s investigation into the 2012 transport legacy.
6. Caroline Pidgeon AM, Chair of the Transport Committee, is available for interview. See contact details below.
7. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.