London. 3,000 tubes, 1,500 double-decker busses, the Eurostar, the Javelin shuttle and several ferries on the Thames all have two things in common: they are all fitted with Voith technology and will ensure that millions of spectators and over 10,000 athletes get safely and soundly where they want to go during the Olympic Games. Voith drive technology as well as various technical services for numerous busses and trains will make a key contribution to smoothly running traffic systems operating around the Olympic Games over the next few weeks.
Getting quickly and safely from one venue to the next
A sophisticatedly planned traffic concept for visitors was one aspect of the bid for this major event. Busses and trains are already the most important means of transport for London's eight million inhabitants and are at the heart of the city's local public transport system. Around 1,500 red double-decker busses are fitted with Voith DIWA automatic transmissions. Voith is also involved at four bus depots in the daily maintenance and cleaning – inside and outside – of around 600 busses. Couplings "Made by Voith" secure the mechanical, electrical and pneumatic connections of all 3,000 of London's world famous tubes. Several Thames ferries in the southern district of Woolwich are powered by Voith-Schneider propellers. Diverse components such as the drives, cooling systems or couplings of local and long-distance trains are also serviced in Voith service centers in Croydon and Greenford.
What is more, Voith technology not only ensures smooth-running local passenger transport, the "Javelin" shuttle, the UK's first high-speed train and the Eurostar – which brings visitors from Paris or Brussels through the Channel Tunnel to London – are also fitted with Voith couplings and other products.
Last but not least, there is another connection with the 2012 Olympics: two épée fencers from the Heidenheim Fencing Center of which Voith has been principal sponsor for many years now, will also be competing in London for Olympic medals: Monika Sozanska and Ricarda Multerer will be taking part in the team disciplines; Sozanska will also be competing in the individual rounds.