2012 Features

Ken Livingstone and the Javelin train

Speaking at the launch of the Games' transport plan, Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said 80% of visitors would arrive by train.

Many will use the 140mph Javelin train which will whisk spectators from central London in just seven minutes.

A further 15% would use park-and-ride sites and 5% walk or cycle.

The Javelin train, which is at the centre of the Transport Plan, will go into passenger service in 2009 and will take passengers to the Olympic site in Stratford.

It will also take just 10 minutes to travel from the Channel Tunnel Rail Link station at Ebbsfleet in north Kent to Stratford.

More than 55,000 athletes, officials and media, 500,000 spectators and 120,000 staff and volunteers will be travelling to the Games each day.

About 240,000 people an hour will be able to arrive at the Olympic Park by train, with one train operating every 15 seconds.

Lord Coe, the London Organising Committee chairman, said it was important that athletes did not worry about whether they would get to the venues on time but instead concentrated on their Olympic performances.

"We will keep London moving during the Games for everyone - for athletes, spectators and the general public.

"I want to see athletes competing, not commuting, and spectators watching, not waiting. This transport plan is the first step to making this vision a reality," he said.

An Olympic Route Network of major roads will be used to transport the athletes, Olympic executives and officials to ensure they get to their venues on time.

But walking and cycling will also be encouraged.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "With more than £17bn being spent on improving London's transport system over the next five years, the 2012 Games is set to deliver a lasting legacy for all Londoners, and improve the quality of life in some of the most deprived areas of the city."

Two large coach-based park and ride sites - one near the M25 and the other near the M11 - were originally considered for the Games.

But analysis showed that usage would be low so organisers are now considering a series of park-and-ride sites for the Olympics that could also be used when it finishes.

The consultation period for the Olympic Transport Plan ends in February.