Train operator c2c – which runs trains through Rainham, Upminster and West Horndon – says it is providing more seats for passengers from in order to cope with the transport pressures of the Olympics.

More than 270,000 extra seats will be provided this week alone including from today (Monday) until Thursday: longer trains on off-peak services after 7pm with all trains doubled to eight carriages long, extra late night trains from Fenchurch Street on Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday.

The company also put on extra trains to Rainham yesterday (Sunday) for people travelling to see the Olympic Torch relay.

c2c Managing Director Julian Drury said: “We’re firing the starting gun on our plans for the Games.

“c2c are providing more than one million additional seats over the next three weeks, mostly targeted at off-peak times when demand from Games spectators will be at its highest.

“Meanwhile our regular peak time commuters can be reassured that with 17% fewer people normally travelling in August, there will be sufficient spare capacity that it should be business as usual for them despite the impact of the Games.”