The number of passengers using a free bus service for the elderly, disabled and other Olympic and Paralympic spectators with mobility needs could hit 100,000 by the end of the week.
The shuttles running 6am to 2am, provided for the Olympics Delivery Authority by 24 community transport operators, have so far made 10,000 journeys with 60,000 passengers, including 2,500 to the Olympic Park itself in a single day.
By the end of Monday, 20,000 had used the shuttle services for the Paralympics alone, with the final estimate topping 40,000.
“These shuttle buses are bridging the gap between public transport and sports venues for people who can’t walk or manage long distances,” said the ODA’s Hugh Sumner.
“It’s a powerful legacy of east London hosting the world’s biggest sporting events.”
The shuttle buses run on 37 routes and don’t need to be booked in advance—the aim is maximum 20 minutes waiting time, including getting wheelchairs on and off. The network is run by 500 community transport drivers across London.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here