Can public transport win gold?

In exactly two years’ time the eyes of the world will be on London for the 2012 Olympic Games. Robert Jack and James Dark ask whether the city’s public transport system can perform, and perhaps excel, under pressure

Stratford International Station with the Olympic Village to the right. Picture taken on June 30

Stratford International Station with the Olympic Village to the right. Picture taken on June 30

An artists impression of the new DLR station at Stratford International that is due to open by the end of this year

An artists impression of the new DLR station at Stratford International that is due to open by the end of this year

An artist impression of how Stratford Regional station will look in Games time

An artist impression of how Stratford Regional station will look in Games time

Passengers alighting the Southeastern bullet trains at St Pancras. During the Games the Javelin service will link the station with the Olympic Park in just seven minutes

Passengers alighting the Southeastern bullet trains at St Pancras. During the Games the Javelin service will link the station with the Olympic Park in just seven minutes

According to the Olympic Delivery Authority, the 2012 Games in London represent the biggest logistical challenge that the country has faced in peace time. The scale of the operation is vast. Throughout the 16 days of competition, the capital’s transport system will have to cater for an average of 500,000 spectators a day, plus 140,000 games workers and volunteers and 55,000 members of the Olympic family, including athletes, officials and media. The Olympic Park is the centre of the action...