London 2012: Games bring record London Underground users

More people used the London Underground on Thursday than any other time in its history.

Transport for London said 4.31 million passengers used the Tube that day, breaking the record set on Wednesday, when 4.25 million used the network.

In the same week last year, daily Tube passenger numbers were about 3.8 million.

There have also been record figures for people using the cycle hire scheme and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).

The previous busiest day in the Tube's history was 9 December 2011, when Christmas shoppers helped raise the figure to 4.17 million, according to Transport for London (TfL) figures.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Sporting records are being smashed on a daily basis in London, and our world-famous Tube is breaking a few records of its own."

The DLR also carried record passengers on Monday 30 July, with almost 500,000 passengers, a 65% increase on normal levels.

The Barclays Cycle Hire scheme broke its previous record with almost 47,000 hires on 26 July - the most in one day since the initiative launched more than two years ago.

There have been a few delays this week with problems on the Central Line and overcrowding at London Bridge station.

But London's Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy said: "We're carrying these record numbers and keeping London moving and open for business because people are following our advice and planning their travel.

"What we're seeing is some people avoiding the peak hours and travelling at less busy times.

"I would like to thank our passengers for taking our advice on board and helping the transport network to support a great London 2012 Games."