As with any Olympic event, revelers from around the world are set to flock to London in 2012. The increase in tourism is one which government officials and businesses are looking forward to, but organizers warn that every day commuters could see some disruption in their everyday lives.

The London Underground in particular, already famed for its crammed tube trains during peak parts of the day, are expected to get even busier during the sporting event. As a result, the ODA (Olympic Delivery Authority) has predicted that around 30% of commuters will change their travel routes to accommodate for the extra people due to join them in the Underground.

Some areas will be worse than others, in particular the Central and Jubilee lines which are expected to be the main lines of choice for people travelling to the East London and on to the Olympic Park. Hugh Sumner, the Olympic Delivery Authority’s transport official, has stated that the only way to prepare for the influx is to recognize these specific areas where large passenger numbers are likely to be a problem and deal with it accordingly. He has also noted that businesses are likely to see differences on a day to day level, especially in the retail industry which will see changed numbers of footfall depending on their area.

Sumner has also promised that as much would be done ahead of time to lessen the negative implications of the increased tourism on London residents and businesses, and advised members o f the London Assembly that systems will have to be put in place to cope ahead of time.

Reported by Claire Blackthorne.

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