LONDON – Major disruption on the Docklands Light Railway caused chaos for visitors attending the opening day of World Travel Market yesterday.
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Hundreds of exhibitors and visitors from around the world experienced the capital’s transport system at its absolute worst.
While many were unable to board trains due to severe over crowding, those that braved it had to suffer being crammed in like cattle.
On arrival at Canning Town, they were unable to disembark due to over crowding on the platforms. Doors remained closed until DLR staff had cleared enough space on the platforms to allow passengers to leave the trains.
Eventually a replacement bus service was put into operation, taking visitors slowly through rush hour traffic, and the rain, to the Excel show site.
Many visitors complained that they had been forced to make five or six changes at different stations because of various other problems across the London underground network.
“It doesn’t look good for London,†said one visitor from Cyprus. “It’s always bad, but this is the worst I have known it. Next year I will not make any appointments before midday.”
Other disgruntled visitors to WTM described the transport chaos as a “farce” and questioned the message it gave to those from overseas about the ability of London to effectively host the 2012 Olympics.
By Bev Fearis
