Call Sign March 2011 - Page 20 - TfL takes over from ODA for Olympic transport

With under 18 months to go until the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, the focus of all London 2012 partners is now moving from the planning phase to one of implementation and operational delivery. As the authority leading on transport operations in the Capital during the London 2012 Games, TfL is already responsible for the delivery and management of a number of key programmes including the Transport Co-ordination Centre, which will ensure co-ordination and communication between all transport operators, authorities and London 2012 partners during Games-time. The transfer of these programmes to TfL will further enhance the integration and operational management of all London 2012 transport, ensuring all athletes, officials and spectators can get to their events on time and that we can keep London and the UK moving. Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "The London 2012 Games are a unique opportunity for Londoners and as Mayor, I am determined to ensure the Capital reaps the utmost possible benefits from them. I am conscious that not only is this an unparalleled opportunity; but also that we have a responsibility to ensure London functions as smoothly and efficiently as possible during the Games for the great people who live, work and play here." London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy added: "All London 2012 transport improvements are on track and Londoners are already benefiting from this early Games legacy. While it will be	TfL takes over from ODA for Olympic transport
	Determined to extract the utmost benefit from the Olympics business as unusual during the Games, we’re confident we’ll get all athletes, officials and spectators to their events on time and keep London moving as well." ODA Chief Executive, Dennis Hone said: "Staging the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a huge logistical challenge and transport is vital to making it work. London 2012 has helped drive billions of pounds of investment into upgrading public transport, benefiting the capital for generations to come. It will be business as unusual during the summer of 2012 and we have spent the last five years delivering the upgrades and planning the programmes needed to keep London moving. As we progress to the operational stage, we are on track and it is the right time to hand over the baton to TfL who will be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of transport during the Games." TfL will continue to build on the work undertaken by the ODA, who have led the planning, design and designation of these programmes to date. TfL has extensive experience in managing London’s road and transport network during large events	and has a successful track record in the delivery of mode shift through behaviour change programmes and freight management. TfL will also continue to work with all partners to ensure all London 2012 transport programmes are integrated and provide consistent messages to businesses, residents and freight operators, so they can plan now to get the most out of the Games. Olympic & Paralympic Routes Networks: The Olympic Route Network (ORN) and Paralympic Route Network (PRN) will comprise of a number of roads linking all competition and key non-competition venues. The networks were designated by the Secretary of State for Transport in 2009 and work on the detailed design and local engagement has progressively transferred to TfL since late last year. TfL has now taken full responsibility for the ORN and PRN inside London, beginning discussions with Boroughs and local businesses on the detailed Traffic Regulation Orders that are required to support the traffic measures along the routes. TfL will continue to work closely with the ODA and Highways Agency, who will deliver and operate the ORN and PRN outside of London. Call Sign Comment Does this mean that taxis will be able to use the Olympic Route Networks? Sadly, holding your breath will achieve nothing other than making you go red in the face…

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