In message ,
Martin Underwood writes

But I take your point: a proper solution would be seriously expensive. Mind
you, a station entrance in the market and/or the foyer of the Opera House
and/or in the entrance to the London Underground museum would be very nice
if cost wasn't an issue :-)

I've just happened upon Westminster City Council's action plan for
Covent Garden that outlines the intentions on page 16:

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/enviro...-PlanFINAL.pdf

Short term: promotion of "alternative stations with spare capacity
(including Holborn, Embankment, and Charing Cross), and promoting
walking routes through the area" + better signage, more leaflets in
hotels, etc.

This must be what has already started, as reported at the beginning of
this thread (including the omission of Leicester Square from the list).

Medium term: "London Underground propose to improve the layout of the
existing ticket hall and increase the number of ticket gates".

This must be the works that LU have announced for 2007.

Long term: "to work with London Underground and the Mayor to develop
physical improvements to increase the capacity of the station, for
example by building a second ticket hall, and the installation of more
lifts or escalators. Feasibility work by London Underground is underway
and options will be consulted on later this year. London Underground
have a number of high priorities for congestion relief at other
stations, but we are working to ensure that the need for a solution
at Covent Garden is kept high on their agenda".

Given the importance of Covent Garden to London tourism, perhaps we
might see something in time for the 2012 Olympics? g

--
Paul Terry