Countdown to the biggest transport snafu London has ever seen?

London, host city to the 2012 Olympic Games, will be shouldering the burden of up to three million extra journeys each day during the global sporting event, putting its transport system to the test.

Across both games there will be 14,000 athletes, 7,000 technical officials, more than 20,000 media and 11million spectators.


How our transport infrastructure deals with the surge in numbers during the summer months - when it will be used more than ever before - will largely determine the success of the games as a whole.


Transport disruptions have the ability to affect us in more ways than simply delaying the time we arrive at our intended destination. A disruption to the individual often has a knock-on affect that snowballs, even affecting society itself.


So far, the outlook has been dismal. Potential staff cuts on the railway as well as flexible hours for staff on the underground will only serve to further strain the transport network. 
We took a quick look at the issues that will be affecting the nine million plus ticket holders, commuters, residents and tourists alike as they struggle to traverse the nation's capital from July 25 to September 11.

Games Lanes 

Dedicated lanes to ensure the uninterrupted passage of athletes, VIPs, officials and media - will impose restrictions on the flow of traffic to and from, in and around, Olympic venues. Pall Mall will be closed to motorists over the Olympic Period while it is used for events such as the marathon and the nearby Equestrian centre is built.




Taxis
The result of all that traffic congestion and prolonged queuing time? A taxi-fare that gets bigger and bigger while you go nowhere. Many of London's black-cab drivers are threatening to quit the streets in protest against travel restrictions.


Steve the black cab driver: "They've got us handcuffed during the olympics, I'm going to have to use a helicopter to get around."


Tubes and Trains
Over 20,000 railway network job cuts will leave London with a 'third-class service' with 'eye-watering' fare rises. Not to mention the serous risk of over-crowding as commuters clash with ticket-holders on their way to an early-morning event showing.


Cyclists
Don't rely on the the indestructible Boris Bike to get you around the city during the games. There's a real risk of strike action by members of the RMT Union that could lead to severe disruption in services including Barclay's Cycle Hire, whose workers are affiliated to the union.
Andreas @ London Cyclist: "Many of the bus lanes will be closed to cyclists to allow for officials, sponsors and athletes to move through the city. I fear that safer routes through the capital will be restricted for cyclists and we'll have to merge with the rest of the traffic."


Hospitals and donors
Road closures risk preventing medical supplies and even donor blood and organs from reaching hospitals in good time. Hospitals in London are considering reorganising surgery timetables, changing shift patterns and moving delivery ties all to accommodate the olympics. 


Businesses
Although TFL has been engaging with businesses, there are many who have been left feeling disillusioned by false assurances as to the extent of travel disruptions. 45 companies in Hackney Wick have expressed their discontent for the disruption to their businesses by sending a petition to their local council.
Graham Phelps of Phelps Transport: "All we have been told is that we will be able to trade and we will be fine. If something goes wrong we've had it."


Commuters
Companies have encouraged their workers to stay at home or work alternative hours during the games. Economists have forecast that the overall affect on the economy will be negative, despite the retail boost from visiting olympic-goers.
Are you affected by any of the issues above? If so leave a comment letting us know how you plan to get around on @FJMayhew or @ryrealtalk