The first records of the Olympics date back to 776 BC. With some gaps in its historic every four-year calendar, due to world events and wars, now, in modern history, the Olympic games is arguably the biggest sporting event in the world with around 10,000 competitors from 204 countries and nations being involved in the games.
This year, London is the proud host of the Olympics 2012 with the opening ceremony due to start the proceedings on the 27th July at the newly constructed Olympic stadium in Stratford, East London. The whole event runs from 27th July – 12th August with events taking place across the city of London. Although the majority of these events will occur within the Olympic park in Stratford, the games are not only limited to this area. Some of the other 13 London venues include Earls Court, Hampton Court, Hyde Park, Wembley Stadium and Lords cricket ground.
However, amongst the excitement of the Olympics and the descent of an expected daily 325,000 extra visitors to London , those Londoners who are not involved in the games and haven’t planned to escape the city are going to notice a significant impact on their commute and working day. In order to provide some help and advice, below is some general information and tips for surviving the Olympics 2012 in London:
Transport
Trains
Although the whole of London’s train network will be busier than usual during this period, the undergrounds central and jubilee lines and the Docklands light Railway (DLR) are expected to be the most effected. Keep up to date with expected journey times and delays via the tfl journey planner.
Buses
Most visitors and spectators are likely to use the underground or DLR to access the games and so buses may be a good alternative. However, be aware that there may be some road closures and diversions in place on different days and for certain events. For more information visit Get Ahead of the Games.
Alternatives
The impact on the usual options for commuting may be a perfect opportunity to try an alternative approach to your journey to work. In the hope of good weather during the summer why not try walking or take advantage of Barclays London cycle hire scheme.
For those working in central and East London an alternative to the heavily affected train routes are boat taxis on the river Thames.
Plan ahead
With such a significant amount of extra visitors within London, public transport and London’s roads are going to be the most effected change for the duration of the games. The best approach to surviving the Olympics is planning ahead and considering all your options. Aside from planning and adapting your commute to work, it may also be useful to consider the following:
Managing your diary
If your job involves appointments and meetings during the day, plan smartly by minimising unnecessary trips and arranging appointments around the main events to avoid travelling whilst many of the spectators will be. The best way to do this is by cross checking your diary with the schedule of the games, which can be found on www.london2012.com/schedule-and-results. Alternatively, why not explore the options of conference calling or online meetings through mediums such as Skype.
Working from home
If your work place is in, or usual commute involves, the most affected areas of London, consider the option of working from home. Transport delays will seriously impact on your working day and working remotely may provide a more productive solution. Furthermore, if you have been thinking about approaching your work to discuss the possibility of working from home, this may be an ideal opportunity to suggest a trial run.
Take some holiday
The best way of surviving the Olympic fever may be to book some annual leave and escape London all together. With the games scheduled during, what should be, the middle of our summer, why not take advantage of the weather and book some time off to explore some other areas of England.
For further information regarding the London 2012 Olympics go to the Official Olympic website.
Further Reading on Transportation in London
Business Parking in London
London Rail Link
London Underground Workers
Watford Station
London Transport Olympic Games