IOC members encouraged to take the tube at London 2012

Story updated 14/01

INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee members aren't paid - but that doesn't mean they don't live the high life, especially come Games time.

MIND THE GAP: London in rush hour, how many IOC members will brave the Northern Line crush to get to Olympic Park?

Put it this way, it is very unlikely the IOC will choose the Barking Travelodge as their headquarters hotel.

After all, for an all-star show like the Olympics, you need five-star luxury and Michelin star food.

That's not to say IOC members don't work hard during the Games - giving out medals, glad handing dignitaries, munching Ferrero Rocher with the local ambassadors.

They also have to stay awake during the opening ceremony athletes' parade, for fear television cameras will catch them snoring in the posh seats.

IOC members are the extra V in front of the VIP, with chauffeur driven privileges and access all areas accreditation passes. In Beijing they even had police out riders.

So what will they make of today's plea by London mayor Boris Johnson for members of the ‘Games Family' - athletes, officials, even us in the media - to use public transport rather than rely on official transportation?

I can't see Kate Dennison taking her pole on the Northern Line or Goldie Sayers negotiating the lifts at Covent Garden with her bag of javelins, but why can't Prince Albert take the bus?

From the Monaco Consulate in South Kensington it's an easy trip - take the Piccadilly Line to Cockfosters for seven stops, then change for the Central Line towards Epping, alighting seven stops later - remembering to mind the gap - at Stratford.

Estimated journey time, according to Transport for London, is just 36 minutes.

"It is essential to ensure athletes and officials can travel quickly to their venues with their equipment during the Games," said Mr Johnson. 

"Their arrival in plenty of time and in peak condition is my main priority and our Olympic Route Network will meet those special travel needs.

"However, I am extremely grateful for the IOC's commitment to encourage all members of the Games Family to travel on London's excellent and rapidly expanding transport system wherever possible. 

"Apart from its convenience and speed in getting around town, I am sure that members of the Games family will also discover more of the wonders of our great city."

Fine words, laudable sentiment. Time will tell how many IOC members follow his lead.

UPDATE 14/01/10: According to Mayorwatch, which keeps track with behind the scenes movements at City Hall, Mr Johnson can’t claim exclusive credit for the above policy.

Assembly members Jenny Jones (Green) and Dee Doocey (Liberal Democrat) have both previously called on the Mayor to ensure the capital’s transport network is fully utilised by Games officials.

“I’m delighted the Mayor agrees with me on this,” Ms Jones told Mayorwatch.

“Adding thousands of Games vehicles to our already congested roads is not sensible. Why shouldn’t games officials travel by London’s excellent public transport, just like the rest of us?”

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