Crossrail essential to Olympic bid, claims report

London's public transport network could not cope with passenger numbers during the 2012 Olympics unless the multi-billion pound Crossrail project is completed, according to a recent report.

The study by consultants Arup has warned government and British Olympic officials that the city could not deal with the flow of visitors to London for the Games without Crossrail.

It added that events would have to be staged outside of the morning and afternoon rush hours, because the network could not handle the extra demand.

The Crossrail project, which is still awaiting government approval, would see a new rail corridor running from west to east, linking Heathrow to east London, through Paddington.

Original estimates of the scheme's costs have ballooned, and Treasury officials say a budget of £10m-£15m may be needed, with the project unlikely to be finished by 2012.

Government officials responded by stating that planning for the Games is not reliant on Crossrail being in place.