THOSE heading from here to the capital for the Olympics are today assured that the transport system is ready.

With thousands due to descend on London to see the 2012 Games, the roads and railways in the county are bound to be put under pressure. However locally the message is that organisations are ready for the crowds.

Greater Anglia has reassured its customers that it is fully prepared for the two-week sporting extravaganza. As well as putting on extra late evening and additional weekend services, the Monday to Saturday timetable will also be supplemented with extra carriages on many services and extra late-evening trains to destinations including Ipswich, meaning there will be an average of 150,000 extra seats available.

The last train to Ipswich from Liverpool Street during the Games will be at 12.30am and 12.40am from Stratford. Due to tonight’s Opening Ceremony, the last train will leave Liverpool Street at 1.30am and 1.41am from Stratford.

Ruud Haket, managing director, Greater Anglia said: “The Greater Anglia team will be working together with Network Rail and our Games partners in making every effort to provide our regular customers and many visitors to the Games with the best possible service this summer.”

Some of the company’s staff will also be on hand at stations to help visitors with Olympic-related enquiries.

National Express said it was putting on extra coaches to ferry people to the Games, and the Highways Agency have said roadworks should be completed in time to ensure the roads are clear.

The Highways Agency’s director of network delivery and development, Derek Turner said: “We expect all roads around venues to be considerably busier. Visitors to the Games are strongly encouraged to use public transport to alleviate pressure on the roads.

“As part of our preparations, we have programmed our roadworks to be completed in time for the Games to make as many lanes available as possible.”

Customers are advised to plan ahead when making their travel plans during the Games. Visit www.getaheadofthegames.com and www.greateranglia.co.uk