By Tom Degun

Olympic-route-network-008October 29 - London 2012 stakeholders have held a meeting to discuss how the success of transport networks during the Olympics and Paralympics can be applied to future major events and general travel in the city.

Unprecedented coordination between all transport modes during London 2012 ensured athletes, officials and spectators got to their destinations on time and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), Transport for London (TfL), Network Rail and other key Games transport partners are looking to draw useful conclusions through an integrated partnership approach.

A series of workshops and presentations on the issue were held at the Institution for Civil Engineers in Westminster with senior figures in attendance including London's Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy and ODA chairman Sir John Armitt.

Outcomes from the discussions will be taken on board by relevant organisations for further development and implementation.

"Transport for the London 2012 Games was a one-off, but it can change the United Kingdom transport map forever," said ODA director of transport Hugh Sumner.

"With the Games now behind us, there are many tangible legacy benefits – for instance in infrastructure and operations, partnership working, volunteering, freight and logistics, and communication to customers."

Hugh SumnerODA director of transport Hugh Sumner says London 2012 can change the UK transport map forever

Transport stakeholders discussed a number of topics including how changing passenger transport behaviour can be driven forward post-Games, how freight and logistics industries can utilise the lessons of the Games, such as night-time deliveries, and how the industry should use back of office staff for intermittent customer facing roles more frequently.

In addition, other topics covered included how industry and Government can continue and develop the accessible transport standard experienced throughout the Games and how lessons learned should be shared across industry, including between local authorities and non-Games organisations.

"Our challenge now is to continue to work together to capture and build on what we have learned and achieved," explained Sumner.

"These lessons will need to be shared across industry and Government to build on what was a fantastic summer for transport, sport and Great Britain."

A report, Delivering transport for the London 2012 Games, was launched at the event and is available for download here

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