Caterers got a taste of problems they could face during next summer’s Olympics with public transport in London stretched to the limits.

The first in a series of business seminars has been held at Canary Wharf by Transport for London which invited restaurant chains with m ore than one outlet in travel ‘hotspots’ to get tips on how to run smoothly when the big 2012 crush begins on public transport.

“The millions of additional journeys in London next summer will severely affect public transport,” warned TfL’s Olympics director Mark Evers. “So we’re offering firms travel advice to make sure staff, customers and especially suppliers get through.”

Increased demand will see bus, tube and other train services severely affected, which could have its impact on their trade.

The firms were given tips at yesterday’s seminar on deliveries, servicing, staff travel to help prepare for disruption that may affect trade. More seminars are planned during the year for other trades and industries.