The Javelin Shuttle - It's Free! : Marleyman's Train Simulator Download Store, Free Routes, Scenarios, Trains, Reskins, Tutorials and more for Railworks The Javelin Shuttle It's Free! London & South Eastern Railway Limited, trading as Southeastern is a train operating company in South-East England. On 1 April 2006 it became the franchisee for the new Integrated Kent Franchise (IKF), replacing the publicly owned South Eastern Trains on the former South East Franchise. It serves the commuter routes to south-east London, most of Kent, and parts of East Sussex. British Rail Class (Hitachi) 395 with 'Javelin' branding; The Olympic Javelin or Javelin was a high-speed train shuttle service operated by Southeastern over High Speed 1 during the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The service ran for the duration of both games, between St Pancras International station and Ebbsfleet International station, via Stratford International station, which is close to the Olympic Park.

During the Summer Olympics a service of eight trains an hour ran between St Pancras and Ebbsfleet, calling at Stratford, replacing the usual East Kent highspeed service. Two of these were extended to Ashford and one to Faversham. Between 11pm and 1am the service between St Pancras and Ebbsfleet was increased to twelve per hour. Announced as part of the successful London 2012 Olympic bid, it was an integral part of a plan to improve public transport in London in readiness for the Olympics.The British Olympic Association applied to register Javelin as a UK trademark on 19 July 2005 and this was granted on 2 June 2006. The service was operated by Southeastern on High Speed 1 using the fleet of Class 395 trains, and because of this the class is sometimes referred to as the Javelin. At St Pancras there is interchange with the Underground and with trains to/from the Midlands, Scotland, and the North of England. For track capacity reasons, Eurostar trains, which have never called at Stratford, did not to do so during the games.

It was expected that over 80% of Olympic spectators will travel to and from the venues by rail. Services to the Olympic Park were planned to offer a total capacity of 240,000 travellers per hour, some 25,000 of were expected to use the Javelin service. This reskin of the RSC Hitachi SEC is based on The Javelin shuttle, several are named after famous British Olympians. The text on this train reading Steve Backley Double Silver Olympic Medalist. Steve is a retired British athlete who was formerly the world record holder for javelin throwing. Units have been named in honour of 'fast Britons'. The first person to have a train named in their honour was Dame Kelly Holmes. Other Britons with named Class 395s include olympic medallists Jamie Staff, Steve Backley, Steve Redgrave, Rebecca Adlington, Chris Hoy, Ben Ainslie, Daley Thompson, Duncan Goodhew, Katherine Grainger, Sebastian Coe and Tanni Grey-Thompson.

An Olympic Transport Round Up - London Reconnections London Reconnections 07:53, 7 September 2011 George Moore — 8 Comments With just under a year to go to the Olympics, various transport projects in preparation for the Games are either already finished or are in advanced stages. There are three Olympic Zones in London: Olympic Park, Central and River and this article is intended to give an idea of what’s happening in each of the Zones. 80% of spectators to the Games are expected to travel by rail. There are actually a wide variety of modes of transport to choose from, with Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) planning assumptions for both the Olympics and Paralympics shown below: Olympics Paralympics Olympic Park The Olympic Park is served by three stations: Stratford (due to be temporarily renamed Stratford Regional during the Games), Stratford International and West Ham. This gives a total of ten railway routes serving the Olympic Park.

Stratford station Stratford station is in the process of being upgraded, with the following improvements: re-opening the eastern subway with new stairs to platforms 3/5 and 6/8 an additional westbound platform for the Central line widening the eastern end of platforms 6/8 platform extensions and associated network works for platforms 10a, 11 and 12 improved accessibility and connections to, and between, platforms through the provision of additional lifts and staircases the installation of nine lifts, providing access for mobility impaired spectators to/from all platforms increased colour contrasting in lifts, on stairwells and other areas added tactile strips to all platform edges and stairwells affected by the works a new upper-level entrance structure to link the DLR, Jubilee and Central lines with the new town centre link bridge upgraded station domestic power supplies, increased station command and control facilities de-cluttering of platforms 3/5 and 6/8 Accessibility has also been improved with the widening and lengthening of various platforms and the introduction of a new mezzanine level, which has helped to reduce congestion and create a more pleasant journey experience.

Located at the eastern end of the station, a new entrance and exit includes a lift, two escalators and a fixed staircase to improve passenger flow and accessibility. Many improvements to the station have already been completed: The DLR has built two new replacement platforms for use by London Overground services between Richmond/Clapham Junction and Stratford. The platforms, which are situated at the northern end of the station, connect to all subways, which have been extended, together with a connection between the central and eastern subways The DLR has converted the existing North London Line lower-level platforms to use for its new extension from Canning Town to Stratford International The DLR has upgraded the existing mezzanine level platform to two terminating platforms for services to Poplar As part of the Stratford City development, a new northern ticket office for the station has been built. It connects to all three subways and the new town centre link bridge, which will link Stratford town centre with the new Stratford City development.

The northern entrance, which has been funded by the company responsible for the Stratford City development and opens in September 2011, is another new accessible entrance point to Stratford station The first of the ODA-funded works, the widening of platforms 6 and 8, was completed in August 2007. The second new staircase to the Western subway was completed in 2009 and the two additional lifts brought into service in early 2010. All other major works including the remaining lifts and stairways, the reopened and extended eastern subway, the North East Corner (platform 10a and 11) works, the link subway (along with the extensions to the western and central subways), the new platform 3a as well as systems and signage opened in late 2010. The extensions to platforms 11 and 12 will be delivered with the completion of the Lea Valley line upgrade works in December 2011. West Ham Work is underway at West Ham station to provide new passenger links that allow spectator access to the Olympic Park along The Greenway pathway.

The ODA worked with the London Borough of Newham and London Underground to enhance access between the District line and Hammersmith & City line platforms, which will be used by the majority of spectators using West Ham station to reach the Olympic Park. Planning permission was granted in November 2009. The West Ham station scheme is designed to create a clear route for spectators from the District line and Hammersmith & City line platforms to outside the station and on to The Greenway. Spectators will then reach the southern entrance of the Olympic Park via a 1.6km walk along The Greenway. Work at West Ham delivered by the ODA includes: a staircase, over-bridge and elevated walkway from the District line platform to Manor Road; a safe, high-volume pedestrian route along Manor Road with relevant traffic protection and restrictions a temporary, wide staircase and lifts up to The Greenway, permanent CCTV and lighting improvements to Manor Road and landscaping improvements following removal of the temporary works London Underground completed the refurbishment of District line trains in March 2008. New trains will start to be introduced on the Hammersmith & City line in late 2012.

Planned signalling changes undertaken by Network Rail for the adjacent c2c line will allow for increased operational flexibility so that more train services can stop at the station, increasing the number of passengers able to board and alight at West Ham station during the peak hours. However, there will also be increases in inter-peak and late evening capacity of up to 50 per cent compared to the current service to cater for Games demand. Stratford International, London St. Pancras International and Ebbsfleet International stations During the Olympic Games, a rail shuttle service will operate between St. Pancras International and Ebbsfleet International with an intermediate stop at Stratford International. This temporary service, called the Javelin, will use the Class 395 high-speed trains currently operating the Southeastern high-speed services. At Stratford International station, passengers using the Javelin will be able to use a new access at the eastern end of the domestic platforms which will reduce walking times for those passengers not using the new DLR line. Located at the eastern end of the station, the new entrance and exit includes a lift, two escalators and a fixed staircase to improve passenger flow and accessibility.

For the period of the Games, all four platforms at Stratford International station will be needed for Javelin shuttle services. International visitors travelling to/from Stratford will interchange at Ebbsfleet International or St. Pancras International and join one of the Javelin services for their journey to the Olympic Park. Temporary works are required at Ebbsfleet International to facilitate the flows of international and Games passengers. Detailed operational plans for St. Pancras International, Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International during the Games are being developed. Some of the works at Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International stations are expected to be temporary. This includes decking used on the international platforms and ramps at Stratford International station to provide access between the international platforms and the high-speed Games services. North London Line The NLL has undergone two significant changes before 2012. Firstly, the section between Willesden Junction and Stratford has been completely re-signalled and upgraded, enabling a doubling of the number of passenger trains (which, being longer and larger will result in a tripling of capacity).

Also, the section of the line between Stratford station and Canning Town station (the former NNL North Woolwich Branch) has been converted from National Rail to DLR operation and extended from Stratford station to Stratford International station for highspeed services. The work interfaced with parallel works to construct the new London Overground line between Highbury & Islington and West Croydon/Crystal Palace/New Cross, with the new line paralleling the NLL between Highbury & Islington and just west of Dalston Kingsland. It opened in February 2011. Docklands Light Railway To meet Games demand, DLR capacity is being increased through a number of improvement schemes. These schemes fall into two categories: background schemes, funded by TfL; and London 2012 Games schemes, funded by the ODA. The DLR network serves a number of London 2012 venues. All trains have level access from train to platform and they all have dedicated wheelchair user spaces. The ODA has worked with DLR to understand lift and train car capacities available on the network.

The ODA has funded the following lift and station improvements: upgrade of two lifts at Greenwich station upgrade of two lifts at Tower Gateway station two escalators at Custom House station (part-funding) new 17-person electric lift at Prince Regent station upgrade of the original lift at Prince Regent station new 17-person electric lift at Custom House station Due to the nature and location of the DLR, the proposed enhancements will benefit both the Olympic Park and River Zone venues, as well as contributing to the delivery of the rail strategy for the Central Zone and cultural events. The DLR has been extended from Canning Town to Stratford station (along the former NLL North Woolwich line) then onwards to a new station at Stratford International in the heart of the Olympic Park. Central and River Zones Green Park is in the process of being upgraded, with step-free access to all platforms and improved exits. Southfields recently had lifts installed in preparation for the tennis tournaments taking place at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon. Wembley Park was completely refurbished in 2006, with step-free access and an expanded ticket hall. The Piccadilly line lifts at Earl’s Court are being refurbished.

Finallyt, four river piers will serve Olympic venues: Westminster, Greenwich, North Greenwich and Woolwich. St Pancras Olympic Signage - Google Groups St Pancras Olympic Signage Andrew 7/24/12 4:05 AM Walking through the St Pancras undercroft last night I noticed that the new Olympic signs directing punters to the Javelin shuttles have all been applied to the wrong side of the signs, so instead of being directed to the high speed platforms everyone is directed towards Euston Road. I went to the Network Rail reception who said three other people had pointed this out and in fact it was intentional because they were doing a test that evening(Monday). This sounds like either total b*llocks or incompetence. So, if anyone is passing through St Pancras in the next couple of days I'd be interested to know if this has been corrected. Andrew I think there is to be a queueing system for the Javelin from south to north along Pancras Road (i.e. starting at the Euston Road end, along the eastern side of St P station), which might well explain it - in other words I think it's likely to be intentional.

On Tue, 24 Jul 2012 04:05:28 -0700 (PDT), Andrew < cowe...@gmail.com > wrote: >Walking through the St Pancras undercroft last night I noticed that the new Olympic signs directing punters to the Javelin shuttles have all been applied to the wrong side of the signs, so instead of being directed to the high speed platforms everyone is directed towards Euston Road. I went to the Network Rail reception who said three other people had pointed this out and in fact it was intentional because they were doing a test that evening(Monday). This sounds like either total b*llocks or incompetence. So, if anyone is passing through St Pancras in the next couple of days I'd be interested to know if this has been corrected. I wonder how the transport system coped with the crowds at the rehearsal yesterday? The Central line (central section) was closed for much of the day, as was the Overground at Hackney Wick. "Mizter T" wrote in message news:jum19d$8rb$1@dont-email.me...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So does that mean that everyone whose destination is E Kent is going to have to join the queue and miss a couple of trains. I'm glad that I'm not going to London in the next 2 weeks tim "tim....." < tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > wrote in message news:a786chFuvU1@mid.individual.net... The way I thought it was going to work is there will be a one way pedestrian system circulating around St P. So you may get from A to B an illogical way to normal, hence some signs may appear to point the wrong way. They are just taking you around the one way system. David "David Thornhill" wrote in message news:iNBPr.191787$N4.8234@fx07.am4... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Which would be flipping silly if you've just got off a thameslink train (or an EMT train for that matter) tim "tim....." < tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > wrote in message news:a787suFchmU1@mid.individual.net...

I get the impression that many people do not realise the quite staggering numbers of people who will be hitting St P at certain peak times (or not if the organisers have it all wrong). Going with the flow will be the only way forward, even if it is a long way round. Reminds me of Lincoln Christmas Market, but worse! I am planning around not travelling via St P for the duration. David In message < a786c...@mid.individual.net >, at 19:04:00 on Tue, 24 Jul 2012, tim..... < tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > remarked: >I think there is to be a queueing system for the Javelin from south to >north along Pancras Road (i.e. starting at the Euston Road end, along >the eastern side of St P station), which might well explain it - in >other words I think it's likely to be intentional. > >So does that mean that everyone whose destination is E Kent is going to >have to join the queue and miss a couple of trains.

If they had any sense they'd have some people letting season ticket holders through at the "Circle" end of this inevitably long queue. I wonder what they'll do with people exiting via the Northern Ticket Hall (which leads rather directly in a modern route-march-station-design kind of way to the Kent Domestic platforms. Will they send everyone up into Kings Cross to join the queue out in the rain? -- In message < a786c...@mid.individual.net >, at 19:04:00 on Tue, 24 Jul 2012, tim..... < tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > remarked: >I'm glad that I'm not going to London in the next 2 weeks I might take a trip just to soak up the chaos^H^H^H atmosphere. As someone was saying on the radio tonight, it's our money they've spent so we might as well try to enjoy it (I was unsuccessful in the ticket ballot so will have to merely clog up the outsides of the venues).

-- In message <3_BPr.341646$%k.79233@fx20.am4>, at 19:39:46 on Tue, 24 Jul 2012, David Thornhill < sp...@ntlworld.com > remarked: >Reminds me of Lincoln Christmas Market, but worse! As I've been saying for months - imagine about a dozen of that kind of event (plus the odd Cup Final and Millennium at the Dome) happening simultaneously in different bits of London! -- AIUI there will be no High Speed services east of Ashford for the duration. Maybe there won't be so many passengers..? > Will they send everyone up into Kings Cross to join the queue out in the rain? -- Now come along, it's unlikely to be worse than Lincoln Christmas Market, now is it? In message <jumvq5$dkm$ 1...@dont-email.me >, at 21:16:05 on Tue, 24 Jul 2012, Robert Cox < copper...@gmail.com > remarked: >AIUI there will be no High Speed services east of Ashford for the >duration.

Maybe there won't be so many passengers..? Getting as far as Ashford is a good start. -- 7/24/12 1:40 PM On 24/07/2012 12:05, Andrew wrote: > Walking through the St Pancras undercroft last night I noticed that the new Olympic signs directing punters to the Javelin shuttles have all been applied to the wrong side of the signs, so instead of being directed to the high speed platforms everyone is directed towards Euston Road. I went to the Network Rail reception who said three other people had pointed this out and in fact it was intentional because they were doing a test that evening(Monday). This sounds like either total b*llocks or incompetence. So, if anyone is passing through St Pancras in the next couple of days I'd be interested to know if this has been corrected. > I know that it is not possible to use Oysters between SPI and Stratford International, but is there no exception during either the Olympics or Paralympics? I thought the special Olympic pink Oysters were valid on this route, but don't think this applies to normal Oyster cards.

Maybe there won't be so many passengers..? > If the price of Eurostar tickets are a good indication, than you are right. At this moment, a return Brussels - London, departure tomorrow, return after 6 days is priced 190 ï¿œ. Earlier this month, I had to pay 220 ï¿œ and buy 6 days in advance. -- On 24/07/2012 21:50, Recliner wrote: > On Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:40:35 +0100, " houn...@yahoo.co.uk " >> I know that it is not possible to use Oysters between SPI and Stratford >> International, but is there no exception during either the Olympics or >> Paralympics? > I thought the special Olympic pink Oysters were valid on this route, > but don't think this applies to normal Oyster cards. > Can Games Family and Games Volunteers travel free on Southeastern services?

Games Family and Games Volunteers can use their special Oystercards to travel on our High speed services between St Pancras and Stratford International in the run up to the Games, during the Games, and in the period between the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is only valid if the Accreditation card is presented with the Games Travelcard. Please note no other Oystercards are accepted on High Speed services. ---</quote>--- Games Travelcards (that come with event tickets) are of course valid on the Javelin high-speed service twixt St Pancras and Stratford. On 24/07/2012 19:04, tim..... wrote: > "Mizter T" wrote: > On 24/07/2012 12:05, Andrew wrote: >> Walking through the St Pancras undercroft last night I noticed that >> the new Olympic signs directing punters to the Javelin shuttles have >> all been applied to the wrong side of the signs, so instead of being >> directed to the high speed platforms everyone is directed towards >> Euston Road.

I went to the Network Rail reception who said three other >> people had pointed this out and in fact it was intentional because >> they were doing a test that evening(Monday). This sounds like either >> total b*llocks or incompetence. So, if anyone is passing through >> St Pancras in the next couple of days I'd be interested to know if >> this has been corrected. > I think there is to be a queueing system for the Javelin from south to > north along Pancras Road (i.e. starting at the Euston Road end, along > the eastern side of St P station), which might well explain it - in > other words I think it's likely to be intentional. > > So does that mean that everyone whose destination is E Kent is going to > have to join the queue and miss a couple of trains. The Southeastern High-speed service has essentially been suspended in order to provide the Javelin shuttle service between St Pancras - Stratford - Ebbsfleet, though there is a half-hourly service on to Ashford Int'l and an hourly service from Ebbsfleet on to Faversham. It should be noted that this has *always* been part of the plan (i.e.

since well before the Southeastern High-speed service actually started). > > I'm glad that I'm not going to London in the next 2 weeks Well, I'm glad I'm in London for the next few weeks. > Games Travelcards (that come with event tickets) are of course valid on > the Javelin high-speed service twixt St Pancras and Stratford. and to Games venues outside London (though not to distant events like Weymouth). "Andrew" < cowe...@gmail.com > wrote in message news:754594bb-9438-401d-af36-c907cdd80dd0@googlegroups.com... >Walking through the St Pancras undercroft last night I noticed that the new >Olympic signs directing punters to the Javelin shuttles have all been >applied to the >wrong side of the signs, so instead of being directed to >the high speed platforms everyone is directed towards Euston Road. I went >to the Network Rail reception >who said three other people had pointed this >out and in fact it was intentional...

Are they changing the signs to read "St Pancras Intentional"? I'll get m' coat. In message < mn.c5717dc75e...@thebw.net >, at 23:13:13 on Tue, 24 Jul 2012, Michel Van den Berghe < icf...@thebw.net > remarked: >Regards to all, >Maybe there won't be so many passengers..? > >If the price of Eurostar tickets are a good indication, than you are >right. At this moment, a return Brussels - London, departure tomorrow, >return after 6 days is priced 190 €. Earlier this month, I had to pay >220 € and buy 6 days in advance. Passengers for the Javelin aren't just arriving on Eurostar, they will be coming into London on the east and west coast, and midland mainlines, as well as being fed to Kings Cross by the UndergrounD.

-- In message <jun3dh$4gm$ 1...@dont-email.me >, at 22:17:34 on Tue, 24 Jul 2012, Mizter T < mizt...@gmail.com > remarked: >Games Travelcards (that come with event tickets) are of course valid on >the Javelin high-speed service twixt St Pancras and Stratford. Are they loaded on an Oyster Card, or did they issue paper ones? -- In message < VfCdnVf5H6HgipLNnZ2dnUVZ8k6dnZ2d@bt.com >, at 22:45:29 on Tue, 24 Jul 2012, Peter Masson < peter....@privacy.com > remarked: >> Games Travelcards (that come with event tickets) are of course valid >>on the Javelin high-speed service twixt St Pancras and Stratford. > >and to Games venues outside London (though not to distant events like >Weymouth). On the days of events: Leigh on Sea, Cheshunt, Slough, Windsor and Eton Riverside.

In message <PhNPr.242336$PE.76056@fx04.am4>, at 08:31:59 on Wed, 25 Jul 2012, Philip Richards < philri...@blueyonder.co.uk > remarked: >>> Games Travelcards (that come with event tickets) are of course valid >>> on the Javelin high-speed service twixt St Pancras and Stratford. >> >> Are they loaded on an Oyster Card, or did they issue paper ones? > I'm a bit surprised it's not valid on Stansted Express (from Tottenham Hale to Liverpool St, not the whole thing, obviously) which must be very confusing since GA use some "Stansted Express" branded stock on normal commuter services as well. > I'm a bit surprised it's not valid on Stansted Express (from Tottenham > Hale to Liverpool St, not the whole thing, obviously) which must be very > confusing since GA use some "Stansted Express" branded stock on normal > commuter services as well. AIUI it is valid between Tottenham Hale and Liverpool Street, as are all Travelcards with validity in appropriate zones.

The exclusion is intended to highlight that it is not valid at Stansted (or Gatwick, or Heathrow via HEx or HConn) Airport. It is expected that a proportion of people with Games tickets will fly in on the day of their event. Incidentally, Stansted Express trains to the Airport are pick up only at Tottenham Hale, though in the reverse direction there is no restriction on the Tottenham Hale stop. Peter In message < Zf2dnSE1Z_OVM5LNnZ2dnUVZ8h2dnZ2d@bt.com >, at 09:27:48 on Wed, 25 Jul 2012, Peter Masson < peter....@privacy.com > remarked: >> I'm a bit surprised it's not valid on Stansted Express (from >>Tottenham Hale to Liverpool St, not the whole thing, obviously) which >>must be very confusing since GA use some "Stansted Express" branded >>stock on normal commuter services as well. > >AIUI it is valid between Tottenham Hale and Liverpool Street, as are >all Travelcards with validity in appropriate zones.

That's not what the documentation says, but I suppose this *is* TfL we are dealing with :( >The exclusion is intended to highlight that it is not valid at Stansted >(or Gatwick, or Heathrow via HEx or HConn) Airport. It is expected that >a proportion of people with Games tickets will fly in on the day of >their event. They'd be bonkers to attempt that for a morning event, but I suppose it might work for evening ones. >Incidentally, Stansted Express trains to the Airport are pick up only >at Tottenham Hale, Interesting. The most recent time I caught a Stansted Express deliberately[1] it was from Tottenham Hale to the airport (about 3 years ago). iirc I was a bit put out that the single fare is [at today's prices] an egregious �20 compared to an off-peak return of �19.60 >though in the reverse direction there is no restriction on the >Tottenham Hale stop. [1] A month ago I was forced to catch one to Bishops Stortford, because XC had cancelled their trains to Birmingham due to the rain.

-- > In message <jun3dh$4gm$ 1...@dont-email.me >, at 22:17:34 on Tue, 24 Jul 2012, > Mizter T < mizt...@gmail.com > remarked: >> Games Travelcards (that come with event tickets) are of course valid on >> >the Javelin high-speed service twixt St Pancras and Stratford. > > Are they loaded on an Oyster Card, or did they issue paper ones? Mine are paper. "David Thornhill" wrote in message news:3_BPr.341646$%k.79233@fx20.am4... "tim....." < tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > wrote in message news:a787suFchmU1@mid.individual.net... > "David Thornhill" wrote in message news:iNBPr.191787$N4.8234@fx07.am4...

> > "tim....." < tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > wrote in message > news:a786chFuvU1@mid.individual.net... >> "Mizter T" wrote in message news:jum19d$8rb$1@dont-email.me... >> >> On 24/07/2012 12:05, Andrew wrote: >>> Walking through the St Pancras undercroft last night I noticed that >>> the new Olympic signs directing punters to the Javelin shuttles have >>> all been applied to the wrong side of the signs, so instead of being >>> directed to the high speed platforms everyone is directed towards >>> Euston Road. I went to the Network Rail reception who said three other >>> people had pointed this out and in fact it was intentional because >>> they were doing a test that evening(Monday). This sounds like either >>> total b*llocks or incompetence. So, if anyone is passing through >>> St Pancras in the next couple of days I'd be interested to know if >>> this has been corrected.

>> I think there is to be a queueing system for the Javelin from south to >> north along Pancras Road (i.e. starting at the Euston Road end, along >> the eastern side of St P station), which might well explain it - in >> other words I think it's likely to be intentional. >> >> So does that mean that everyone whose destination is E Kent is going to >> have to join the queue and miss a couple of trains. >> >> I'm glad that I'm not going to London in the next 2 weeks >> > > The way I thought it was going to work is there will be a one way > pedestrian > system circulating around St P. So you may get from A to B an illogical > way > to normal, hence some signs may appear to point the wrong way. They are > just > taking you around the one way system. > > Which would be flipping silly if you've just got off a thameslink train > (or an EMT train for that matter) > > I get the impression that many people do not realise the quite staggering numbers of people who will be hitting St P at certain peak times (or not if the organisers have it all wrong).

Going with the flow will be the only way forward, even if it is a long way round. Reminds me of Lincoln Christmas Market, but worse! I am planning around not travelling via St P for the duration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is there a webcam so that we can check? Though I think the opposite, I think that TPTB have over estimated the number of people who will be using this link. I mean why would you take the tube to StP to change onto Javelin when you can take the central line all the way? And it's not like the short route is restricted, it's 20 metres wide with nothing in the way. The long way has stair-cases and whatnot in the way, and there's going to be the usual crowns milling about the shops getting in your way as well. Nah it's stupid! "Roland Perry" wrote in message news:y3GFvMG5vvDQFAHw@perry.co.uk... In message < a786c...@mid.individual.net >, at 19:04:00 on Tue, 24 Jul 2012, tim.....

< tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > remarked: >I'm glad that I'm not going to London in the next 2 weeks >I might take a trip just to soak up the chaos^H^H^H atmosphere. If it wasn't 30 quid, so would I > >As someone was saying on the radio tonight, it's our money they've spent so >we might as well try to enjoy it (I was unsuccessful in the ticket ballot >so will have to merely clog up the outsides of the venues). It seems that you have to pay to visit the site to walk around if you don't have an event ticket. I hope that this is just for the games, as otherwise it seems a bit of a rip-off "Mizter T" wrote in message news:jun45v$993$1@dont-email.me... On 24/07/2012 19:04, tim.....

wrote: > "Mizter T" wrote: > On 24/07/2012 12:05, Andrew wrote: >> Walking through the St Pancras undercroft last night I noticed that >> the new Olympic signs directing punters to the Javelin shuttles have >> all been applied to the wrong side of the signs, so instead of being >> directed to the high speed platforms everyone is directed towards >> Euston Road. I went to the Network Rail reception who said three other >> people had pointed this out and in fact it was intentional because >> they were doing a test that evening(Monday). This sounds like either >> total b*llocks or incompetence. So, if anyone is passing through >> St Pancras in the next couple of days I'd be interested to know if >> this has been corrected. > I think there is to be a queueing system for the Javelin from south to > north along Pancras Road (i.e. starting at the Euston Road end, along > the eastern side of St P station), which might well explain it - in > other words I think it's likely to be intentional.

> > So does that mean that everyone whose destination is E Kent is going to > have to join the queue and miss a couple of trains. The Southeastern High-speed service has essentially been suspended in order to provide the Javelin shuttle service between St Pancras - Stratford - Ebbsfleet, though there is a half-hourly service on to Ashford Int'l and an hourly service from Ebbsfleet on to Faversham. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The second half of your sentence contradicts the first. For Ashford customers the service is near identical to normal (up to 21:40) and for "beyond" Ashford customers there is a almost always a good onward connection for a total journey time only a few minutes longer than normal. So I expect these customers to want to use whatever approximates to their "normal" train and will be mighty peed-off if they have to spend an hour in a queue to do so tim >"Roland Perry" wrote in message news:y3GFvMG5vvDQFAHw@perry.co.uk...

> >In message < a786c...@mid.individual.net >, at 19:04:00 on Tue, 24 Jul >2012, tim..... < tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > remarked: >>I'm glad that I'm not going to London in the next 2 weeks > >>I might take a trip just to soak up the chaos^H^H^H atmosphere. > >If it wasn't 30 quid, so would I > >>As someone was saying on the radio tonight, it's our money they've spent so >>we might as well try to enjoy it (I was unsuccessful in the ticket ballot >>so will have to merely clog up the outsides of the venues). > > >It seems that you have to pay to visit the site to walk around if you don't >have an event ticket. I thought those tickets quickly sold out. > >I hope that this is just for the games, as otherwise it seems a bit of a >rip-off The whole site will be closed for up to a couple of years after the games, while temporary venues and Olympics-only facilities are removed, the permanent ones converted to their new form, etc.

Some of the vacated space will be used for new buildings in the future. There will then be a new, and probably rather impressive public park called the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. See > And it's not like the short route is restricted, it's 20 metres wide > with nothing in the way. The long way has stair-cases and whatnot > in the way, and there's going to be the usual crowns milling about > the shops getting in your way as well. Nah it's stupid! > On 25/07/2012 17:11, tim..... wrote: > "David Thornhill" wrote: > > I get the impression that many people do not realise the quite staggering > numbers of people who will be hitting St P at certain peak times (or not if > the organisers have it all wrong). Going with the flow will be the only way > forward, even if it is a long way round. >[...] > Is there a webcam so that we can check? > > Though I think the opposite, I think that TPTB have over estimated the > number of people who will be using this link.

I mean why would you take > the tube to StP to change onto Javelin when you can take the central > line all the way? > And it's not like the short route is restricted, it's 20 metres wide > with nothing in the way. The long way has stair-cases and whatnot in > the way, and there's going to be the usual crowns milling about the > shops getting in your way as well. Nah it's stupid! Guardian report (from late May) - "Olympic Javelin train service could be overwhelmed during Games": On 25/07/2012 17:31, tim..... wrote: > "Mizter T" wrote: > On 24/07/2012 19:04, tim..... wrote: >> >> [St Pancras queueing arrangements for Javelin] >> >> So does that mean that everyone whose destination is E Kent is going to >> have to join the queue and miss a couple of trains.

> > The Southeastern High-speed service has essentially been suspended in > order to provide the Javelin shuttle service between St Pancras - > Stratford - Ebbsfleet, though there is a half-hourly service on to > Ashford Int'l and an hourly service from Ebbsfleet on to Faversham. > > The second half of your sentence contradicts the first. The first part of my sentence was qualified. > > For Ashford customers the service is near identical to normal (up to > 21:40) and for "beyond" Ashford customers there is a almost always a > good onward connection for a total journey time only a few minutes > longer than normal. > So I expect these customers to want to use whatever approximates to > their "normal" train and will be mighty peed-off if they have to spend > an hour in a queue to do so Southeastern has had a big information campaign informing their passengers as to what the plans are - their advice has been for London-bound commuters who normally use the HS1 service to re-route on to 'classic' services into London.

Said advice from Southeastern has made very clear that the high-speed services primary function during Games time will be to provide mass transport to and from the Olympic Park in the form of the Javelin service. If punters wish to travel on it anyway for London-Kent journeys, then they will have been warned. "Mizter T" wrote in message news:jur2q9$j8j$1@dont-email.me... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm well aware of the predictions. I'm saying that I think they are wrong tim "Mizter T" wrote in message news:jur384$lla$1@dont-email.me... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You may claim that they think they have done that. As someone who is a target for such advice and therefore ought to have received it, they have failed. What I have seen is great trumpeting when, instead of the predicted no service to Ashford at all, they found that they could run a near normal service. Why would they do this, if they then think that it should not be used if you expect punctuality? "tim....." < tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > wrote in message news:a7ak6eFcrdU1@mid.individual.net...

> Though I think the opposite, I think that TPTB have over estimated the > number of people who will be using this link. I mean why would you take > the tube to StP to change onto Javelin when you can take the central line > all the way? OTOH why wouldn't you take the Javelin if you'd just come down from Leeds or Newcastle on the ECML, or down the MML? Or are the incoming passengers in your assumptions all from London? Paul In message < a7co3v...@mid.individual.net >, at 12:31:08 on Thu, 26 Jul 2012, tim..... < tims_n...@yahoo.co.uk > remarked: >Guardian report (from late May) - "Olympic Javelin train service could >be overwhelmed during Games": >I'm well aware of the predictions. > >I'm saying that I think they are wrong It seems to me that the station will be overwhelmed, because filling an entire train (with 1,000 passengers) every six minutes is quite a significant flow. And is about as many as the escalators up to the platforms can manage.

I assume they'll have two escalators available; the one escalator down from the Midland Mainline platforms can't cope with the arrival of a train from Leicester. "Paul Scott" wrote in message news:8aKdnU-LzIPuq4zNnZ2dnUVZ7ssAAAAA@bt.com... On 26/07/2012 13:59, tim..... wrote: > "Paul Scott" wrote: >> Though I think the opposite, I think that TPTB have over estimated the >> number of people who will be using this link. I mean why would you >> take the tube to StP to change onto Javelin when you can take the >> central line all the way? > > OTOH why wouldn't you take the Javelin if you'd just come down from > Leeds or Newcastle on the ECML, or down the MML? > > Or are the incoming passengers in your assumptions all from London? > > I think that's a ridiculous extrapolation I think your assumption that Londoners would ignore the Javelin link are also duff. I am curious as to how busy it'll be though.

On Thursday, July 26, 2012 1:39:38 PM UTC+1, Roland Perry wrote: > In message & lt;a7co...@mid.individual.net &gt;, at 12:31:08 on Thu, 26 Jul > 2012, tim..... & lt;tims_...@yahoo.co.uk &gt; remarked: > &gt;Guardian report (from late May) - &quot;Olympic Javelin train service could > &gt;be overwhelmed during Games&quot;: > &gt; > &gt;I&#39;m well aware of the predictions. > &gt; > &gt;I&#39;m saying that I think they are wrong > > It seems to me that the station will be overwhelmed, because filling an > entire train (with 1,000 passengers) every six minutes is quite a > significant flow. And is about as many as the escalators up to the > platforms can manage.

> I assume they&#39;ll have two escalators available; the one escalator down > from the Midland Mainline platforms can&#39;t cope with the arrival of a > train from Leicester. > -- > Roland Perry On Monday the escalators to the midland platforms had been changed so both escalators nearest the platforms were down, and the next two further along were both up. I guess this is to minimise conflicting passenger flows. Andrew "Andrew" < cowe...@gmail.com > wrote in message news:e77c247e-4b5e-4941-8f3e-64ba33b55f09@googlegroups.com... > On Thursday, July 26, 2012 1:39:38 PM UTC+1, Roland Perry wrote: >> I assume they&#39;ll have two escalators available; the one escalator down >> from the Midland Mainline platforms can&#39;t cope with the arrival of a >> train from Leicester.

> On Monday the escalators to the midland platforms had been changed so both > escalators nearest the platforms were down, and the next two further along > were both up. I guess this is to minimise conflicting passenger flows. Roland has always pretended the 'next two (escalators) further along' the station don't exist though. Hence no-one will ever use them. IIRC it was very difficult to convince him that they were going to be built before the station reopened... In message < fsGdnS2y3IwFyIzNnZ2dnUVZ8qednZ2d@bt.com >, at 15:31:36 on Thu, 26 Jul 2012, Paul Scott < pmnotsc...@btinternet.com > remarked: >down >>> from the Midland Mainline platforms can&#39;t cope with the arrival of a >>> train from Leicester. >> On Monday the escalators to the midland platforms had been changed so >>both escalators nearest the platforms were down, and the next two >>further along were both up. I guess this is to minimise conflicting >>passenger flows.

>Roland has always pretended the 'next two (escalators) further along' >the station don't exist though. Hence no-one will ever use them. > >IIRC it was very difficult to convince him that they were going to be >built before the station reopened... They are hidden behind the lift, and indeed no-one does use them (to go down). As for going up, the northerly escalators are already quite a detour if you've arrived via Thameslink, the (tube) northern ticket hall or the EMT ticket office. The second set are a ludicrous detour. -- "Mizter T" wrote in message news:jurfs3$q5n$1@dont-email.me... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Battle Bridge Place appears to be the walkway between KX and the entrance to StP by the SE platforms. Though I have to say, for 17:00 on a Weekday it's nowhere near as busy as the last few times I have walked it tim >"Mizter T" wrote in message news:jurfs3$q5n$1@dont-email.me... > >On 26/07/2012 13:59, tim.....

wrote: > >>> Though I think the opposite, I think that TPTB have over estimated the >>> number of people who will be using this link. I mean why would you >>> take the tube to StP to change onto Javelin when you can take the >>> central line all the way? >> >> OTOH why wouldn't you take the Javelin if you'd just come down from >> Leeds or Newcastle on the ECML, or down the MML? >> >> Or are the incoming passengers in your assumptions all from London? >> >> I think that's a ridiculous extrapolation > >I think your assumption that Londoners would ignore the Javelin link are >also duff. I am curious as to how busy it'll be though. > My own experience when explaining to Londoners how to get somewhere is that anything not featuring on an Underground map is often not recognised as a valid or existing place/route.

Some years ago I was at Kenton station and a <stereotype> walked in and asked how to get to Edgware; after being told where the 140 bus stop was (bus to Burnt Oak, tube to Edgware) he decided that was some kind of venture into a foreign country and purchased a ticket via London (train to Queens Park, change, train to Charing Cross/Embankment, change, train to Edgware .... maybe) at what at the time would have been around five times the price and maybe three or four times the duration. Apparently they had once sold a single to Kingsbury to a non-crank but not to Northwick Park (which was on their fares list just in case as ISTR was the reverse journey on Northwick Park's list). >>> I think that's a ridiculous extrapolation If they were taking the Central Line all the way, where else could they be coming from other than London? (If they were coming from Essex, they would have go off at Stratford). >> I think your assumption that Londoners would ignore the Javelin link are >> also duff. I am curious as to how busy it'll be though.

>> > My own experience when explaining to Londoners how to get somewhere is > that anything not featuring on an Underground map is often not > recognised as a valid or existing place/route. Maybe in north London... But how well do people in other county-scale areas know minor places at the other side of the area? I'd be amazed if many people in (say) Hull knew the details of Goole or Grimsby, and there is lot less stuff in between them than there is between Belmont and Cockfosters. Most Londoners (whatever they are - I think there are about half a dozen actual Londoners, the rest of us are incomers) have little reason to go anywhere other than where they live, where they work, the local town/shopping centre, and zone 1 for people who like the sorts of things to be found there. Just like people in any random city, really.

> Some years ago I was at > Kenton station and a <stereotype> walked in and asked how to get to > Edgware; after being told where the 140 bus stop was (bus to Burnt > Oak, tube to Edgware) he decided that was some kind of venture into a > foreign country That is a "use a bus" issue, not "geography"... -- At St P around 17:00 and never seen it so quiet. My plan to avoid St P for the duration collapsed after one day! I travelled Nottingham - Princes Risborough yesterday via Brum and Chiltern, which delivered the journey from hell (no air con on the refurb MK3, overcrowding, mountains of luggage with nowhere for it to go ....). I decided an overcrowded London would be better than Chiltern, so my return today only used them Princes Risborough - Marylebone, so only suffered a cancellation, train 30 mins late and a nonsensical info board at PR just when you wanted to assess the late running data (6 scrolling pages, 5 of which were identical and of zero relevance, before the train running data came around again).

Then as I say above, a very quiet St P, with a free ice cream courtesy of Stagecoach for every passenger as you boarded EMT services! The 17:15 St P - Nottingham was eerily quiet too, so I think everyone has heeded the warnings and taken a two week holiday. David London Olympics Travel | London Olympics | LondonTown.com London Olympics Travel "The last thing any spectator wants is a sprint finish to get to the venue in time," says transport minister Norman Baker. Too true: London is a huge city, and with Olympic events being held not only in the Olympic Park at Stratford but all over the capital, you will have to think very carefully about your travel arrangements getting to and from the Games. The good news is that millions have been spent on improving London's transport infrastructure in time for the Games ï¿½ and this should be felt not just during the Games, but as a lasting legacy for all Londoners and visitors to this great city. The best way to play your journey to and from the Games Enlarge Close A key online tool has been devised to help all spectators planning their travel arrangements during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The Spectator Journey Planner is tailored specifically for the Games and will provide: estimated journey times to and from London 2012 venues from anywhere in Great Britain by rail, coach, bus, river or tube; estimated walking and cycling times between venues; timetable information for forward planning; links to travel booking sites to enable early ticket purchase; recommended routes to make your journey as easy as possible. To plan your journey click here . Free public transport for everyone with an Olympic ticket Enlarge Close All spectators with valid tickets for any Games events in London will receive a complimentary Games Travelcard to use on public transport in London on the day of their event. This means you'll be able to travel on any means of public transport within zones 1-9 in London, plus National Rail services between London and venues near London, such as Eton Dorney, Hadleigh Farm and the Lee Valley White Water Centre. The Tube will get you to every event in London Enlarge Close All the Olympic events in the Central Zone can be easily reached by the Tube ï¿½ including events a little further away at Wimbledon (District Line) and Wembley Stadium (Metropolitan and Jubilee).

The River Zone in and around Greenwich can be accessed via the Jubilee Line, while the Olympic Park can be reached via the Central and Jubilee Lines to Stratford Station . From Bank Tube station in central London, spectators can take the DLR train to both the River Zone and the Olympic Park. While the athletes train, you can simply take the train Enlarge Close The Dockland Light Railway will play an integral role in transporting spectators around the east London venues during London 2012. The Olympic Park will be served by Stratford DLR, while venues throughout the River Zone in Greenwich, Woolwich and north of the Thames will be best accessible by the DLR. Overground rail services will also serve the Olympic Park via Stratford Regional Station . National Rail train services will also serve venues outside central London, such as Wimbledon, Hampton Court, Eton Dorney, Hadleigh Farm, Wembley Stadium and the Lee Valley White Water Centre. The Javelin and International Rail links Central London to the Olympic Park in under seven minutes Enlarge Close A new high-speed rail service will deliver passengers from Kings Cross St Pancras to Stratford International in just seven minutes.

Eight Olympic Javelinï¿½ trains an hour will run between St Pancras International in central London and Ebbsfleet in Kent, calling at Stratford International, which is located just a few hundred metres walk from the Olympic Park. Up to an estimated 25,000 travellers will use the Javelinï¿½ per hour. Passengers from mainland Europe arriving on the Eurostar service can change at either Ebbsfleet or St Pancras to reach Stratford International. A Javelinï¿½ test run from St Pancras to Stratford International took place in July 2009 ï¿½ three years to the day ahead of the Games ï¿½ with a journey time of six minutes and 45 seconds. Leave your cars behind and take a shuttle service to the Games Enlarge Close Spectators are advised not to drive to any venues: roads will be busy and there are no parking facilities at, or near, any of the Olympic and Paralympic venues. If you're coming to the Games from outside London and you wish to drive, then there will be a number of Park-and-Ride services where you can leave your vehicle and then take a short shuttle bus service to the venues.

There are Park-and-Ride services for the Olympic Park, ExCeL, Weymouth and Portland, Lee Valley White Water Centre, Hadleigh Farm, Eton Dorney and Greenwich Park. Tickets include a space for your car or minibus and onward bus or coach transfer to your venue. Prices start from ï¿½12 but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. Day return coach services from all over the UK Enlarge Close Running from towns and cities across England and Wales, day return direct coach services are available to the Olympic Park, ExCeL, Weymouth and Portland and Greenwich Park (30 July only). These services avoid central London and so are ideal if you don't know the capital or if you're travelling with younger children. Avoid the roads and take a boat to your events Enlarge Close The River Zone in London 2012 is accessible by riverboat services, which are a fast, efficient and fun way to travel around the capital. Greenwich Park, North Greenwich Arena and the Royal Artillery Barracks are all accessible by river, while central venues such as Horse Guards Parade and more distant venues such as Eton Dorney (reachable via Windsor) can also be reached by boat.

Regular London commuters that live and work beside the Thames use river transport on a regular basis ï¿½ not only do you avoid traffic, it's a great way to see some of the best sights London has to offer. There will be two types of official river transport during the Games: the 2012 Games River Bus Express, which provides a fast commuter-style service, and the 2012 Games River Tours, which get you to your destination at a leisurely pace and throw in some tourist commentary for good measure. If you have a Games Travelcard there will be a one-third discount for all river services.

Some final pointers to make sure you get to your event on time Allow as much time as possible for your journeys as London's transport system will be much busier than usual Remember to allow for queuing times and walking between large venues in the Olympic Park and River Zone Cars are a no-no: don't even think about bringing your vehicle ï¿½ unlessyou hold a valid Blue Badge or recognised national disability permit Cycling can be the perfect way to get to, from and around the OlympicPark: there are some delightful cycle paths along some unknown canalsand stretches of water in east London, while there will be ample cyclingparking for both adults' and children's bicycles at all the venues.With so much to do and see all over the Park and London in itself, youcan combine your Olympic sporting event with some sightseeing to make aproper London 2012 day out Children aged 10and under travel for free withing London ï¿½ and there areconcessions for 11- to 15-year-olds, 16- to 18-year-olds, OAPs andstudents aged 18+ For more information on travelling around London in general please visit and for Olympic-specific travel information visit .

Alternatively, plan your journey with the spectator journey planner here . Stunning cable car crossing the Thames One of Mayor Boris Johnson's big initial plans for London 2012 was this proposed cable car link across the Thames from Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks. Similar to the service that operates between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island in New York, the Thames Gateway Cable Car - now officially named the Emirates Air-Line after a 10-year sponsorship deal with the Dubai-based aircraft carrier - will connect Olympic venues the North Greenwich Arena and the ExCeL Exhibition Centre . At 1km in length and running 60m above the Thames, the cable car will provide a "much-needed river crossing" and a "bird's eye view" of the capital, according to Boris. Once finished, crossings are planned every 30 seconds for up to 2,500 passengers per hour in each direction, and views will be fairly spectacular. Bikes will be able to be transported with passengers, who will also be able to tap in using their Oyster Cards.

Work started in July 2011 on the ï¿½60m gondola-style project - the first urban cable car in the UK and the most expensive of its kind in the world - and it is set for completion in time for the Games. After early concerns, Transport for London had back-pedalled a little, saying that the cable car was never a part of TfL's Olympic transport strategy. Completing the project in time for London 2012 was simply an "aspiration", they said, and trying to get the project up and running for the Games would be "challenging". But it looks like the game has been won - and it is hoped that the cable car will have a similar impact on the city's skyline as the London Eye. London Paralympics Travel | London Paralympics 2012 | LondonTown.com London Paralympics Travel Getting to the Games: London Underground "The last thing any spectator wants is a sprint finish to get to the venue in time," says transport minister Norman Baker.

Too true: London is a huge city, and with Paralympic events being held not only in the Olympic Park at Stratford but all over the capital, you will have to think very carefully about your travel arrangements getting to and from the Games. The good news is that millions have been spent on improving London's transport infrastructure in time for the Games ï¿½ and this should be felt not just during the Games, but as a lasting legacy for all Londoners and visitors to this great city. For a better look at just where the venues are located, check out our map of the London Paralympics . The best way to plan your journey to and from the Games Enlarge Close A key online tool has been devised to help all spectators planning their travel arrangements during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. The Spectator Journey Planner is tailored specifically for the Games and will provide: estimated journey times to and from London 2012 venues from anywhere in Great Britain by rail, coach, bus, river or tube; estimated walking and cycling times between venues; timetable information for forward planning; links to travel booking sites to enable early ticket purchase; recommended routes to make your journey as easy as possible.

To plan your journey click here . Free public transport for everyone with a Paralympic ticket Enlarge Close All spectators with valid tickets for any Games events in London will receive a complimentary Games Travelcard to use on public transport in London on the day of their event. This means you'll be able to travel on any means of public transport within zones 1-9 in London, plus National Rail services between London and venues near London, such as Eton Dorney. The Tube will get you to every event in London Enlarge Close All the Paralympic events within the Olympic Park can be easily reached via the Central and Jubilee Lines to Stratford Station . River Zone venues in and around Greenwich ï¿½ including the North Greenwich Arena and the ExCeL Centre - can be accessed via the Jubilee Line. From Bank Tube station in central London, spectators can take the DLR train to both the River Zone and the Olympic Park. While the athletes train, you can simply take the train Enlarge Close The Dockland Light Railway will play an integral role in transporting spectators around the east London venues during London 2012.

The Olympic Park will be served by Stratford DLR, while venues throughout the River Zone in Greenwich, Woolwich and north of the Thames will be best accessible by the DLR. Overground rail services will also serve the Olympic Park via Stratford Regional Station . National Rail train services will also serve venues outside London, such as Eton Dorney, Brands Hatch and Weymouth and Portland. The Javelin and International Rail Links Central London to the Olympic Park Enlarge Close A new high-speed rail service will deliver passengers from Kings Cross St Pancras to Stratford International in just seven minutes. Eight Javelinï¿½ trains an hour will run between St Pancras International in central London and Ebbsfleet in Kent, calling at Stratford International, which is located just a few hundred metres walk from the Olympic Park. Up to an estimated 25,000 travellers will use the Javelinï¿½ per hour. Passengers from mainland Europe arriving on the Eurostar service can change at either Ebbsfleet or St Pancras to reach Stratford International.

A Javelinï¿½ test run from St Pancras to Stratford International took place in July 2009 ï¿½ three years to the day ahead of the Games ï¿½ with a journey time of six minutes and 45 seconds. Leave your cars behind and take a shuttle service to the Games Enlarge Close Spectators are advised not to drive to any venues: roads will be busy and there are no parking facilities at, or near, any of the Olympic and Paralympic venues. If you're coming to the Games from outside London and you wish to drive, then there will be a number of Park-and-Ride services where you can leave your vehicle and then take a short shuttle bus service to the venues. There are Park-and-Ride services for the Olympic Park, ExCeL, Weymouth and Portland, Eton Dorney and Greenwich Park. Tickets include a space for your car or minibus and onward bus or coach transfer to your venue. Prices start from ï¿½12 but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.

Day return coach services from all over the UK Running from towns and cities across England and Wales, day return direct coach services are available to the Olympic Park, Weymouth and Portland, and ExCeL. These services avoid central London and so are ideal if you don't know the capital or if you're travelling with younger children. Avoid the roads and take a boat to your events Enlarge Close The River Zone in London 2012 is accessible by riverboat services, which are a fast, efficient and fun way to travel around the capital. Greenwich Park, North Greenwich Arena and the Royal Artillery Barracks are all accessible by river, while more distant venues such as Eton Dorney (reachable via Windsor) can also be reached by boat. Regular London commuters that live and work beside the Thames use river transport on a regular basis ï¿½ not only do you avoid traffic, it's a great way to see some of the best sights London has to offer.

There will be two types of official river transport during the Games: the 2012 Games River Bus Express, which provides a fast commuter-style service, and the 2012 Games River Tours, which get you to your destination at a leisurely pace and throw in some tourist commentary for good measure. If you have a Games Travelcard there will be a one-third discount for all river services. Some final pointers to make sure you get to your event on time Allow as much time as possible for your journeys as London's transport system will be much busier than usual Remember to allow for queuing times and walking between large venues in the Olympic Park and River Zone Cars are a no-no: don't even think about bringing your vehicle ï¿½ unless you hold a valid Blue Badge or recognised national disability permit Cycling can be the perfect way to get to, from and around the OlympicPark: there are some delightful cycle paths along some unknown canals and stretches of water in east London, while there will be ample cycling parking for both adults' and children's bicycles at all the venues.

With so much to do and see all over the Park and London in itself, you can combine your Paralympic sporting event with some sightseeing to make a proper London 2012 day out Children aged 10 and under travel for free within London ï¿½ and there are concessions for 11- to 15-year-olds, 16- to 18-year-olds, OAPs and students aged 18+ For more information on travelling around London in general please visit and for Paralympic-specific travel information visit . Alternatively, plan your journey with the spectator journey planner here . Stunning cable car crossing the Thames One of Mayor Boris Johnson's big initial plans for London 2012 was this proposed cable car link across the Thames from Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks. Similar to the service that operates between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island in New York, the Thames Gateway Cable Car - now officially named the Emirates Air-Line after a 10-year sponsorship deal with the Dubai-based aircraft carrier - will connect Olympic venues the North Greenwich Arena and the ExCeL Exhibition Centre .

At 1km in length and running 60m above the Thames, the cable car will provide a "much-needed river crossing" and a "bird's eye view" of the capital, according to Boris. Once finished, crossings are planned every 30 seconds for up to 2,500 passengers per hour in each direction, and views will be fairly spectacular. Bikes will be able to be transported with passengers, who will also be able to tap in using their Oyster Cards. Work started in July 2011 on the ï¿½60m gondola-style project - the first urban cable car in the UK and the most expensive of its kind in the world - and it is set for completion in time for the Games. After early concerns, Transport for London had back-pedalled a little, saying that the cable car was never a part of TfL's Olympic transport strategy. Completing the project in time for London 2012 was simply an "aspiration", they said, and trying to get the project up and running for the Games would be "challenging".

But it looks like the game has been won - and it is hoped that the cable car will have a similar impact on the city's skyline as the London Eye.

Question: What was the name of the high-speed shuttle train that ran during the Olympics and Paralympics from St Pancras to Ebbsfleet via Stratford?
Answer: JAVELIN