The photos (from top) show corner views of London streets and shopping malls during the 2012 Olympic Games. Photos: CFP

A classic London veteran car makes appearance on the street of London during the Olympic Games. Photo: CFP

Creative floral designs, which represent cycle race, appear on London street during the Games. Photo: CFP

Passengers travel on a London underground train on Monday, on the first weekday after the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Photo: AFP

Many store owners hire street entertainers to attract tourists and visitors during the London Games. Photo: CFP

Even after empty seats aroused anger and the infamous flag faux-pas involving North Korea and South Korea, the London Olympic Games is a triumph.

Not only has the city proven itself ready to handle the event, but the people have expressed a newfound passion for the Games that is proving the city's greatest asset.

Tube Trouble

One of the greatest concerns expressed prior to the Games was public transportation.

However, according to Transport for London (LUL) official website, every line in the London Underground has arrived on time, proving the oldest underground line in the world can handle a capacity of 15 million people a day. 

London mayor Boris Johnson assured the public his transport system was up to the challenge, while citizens are more optimistic and positive than usual as elite athletes from around the world arrive in their city.

"The Tube has performed pretty well so far, buses are running more or less to time and people are hospitable," Johnson told the Global Times.

"It's true that there have been a few cases of theft, but that's normal," said Johnson. "The crime rate has actually dropped significantly over the last four years," he noted.

In his weekly column in The Telegraph, Johnson listed "20 jolly good reasons to feel cheerful about the Games", among which he praises the handling of traffic and crowds. 

"The military are doing a fantastic job. Colossal numbers of people are being moved through the search areas and into the park - speedily, efficiently, and with great friendliness," he wrote.

Olympic fever

It was reported by some international media that many Londoners were planning to escape the Olympic madness.

However, after the stunning opening ceremony, an infectious enthusiasm for the Games permeated through the city.

Jennifer Holroyd, a senior consultant at a local investment company, told the Global Times that she and her husband initially planned to take a trip to Paris during the Games.

"My friend gave us two complimentary tickets for diving and volleyball. When we found out (British diving star) Tom Daley was participating in the event, we decided to stay. After soaking up the atmosphere at the Aquatic Centre, we were hooked," said the 35-year-old Londoner.

Crowds erupted in famed Victor Park on July 27 while gathered under a big screen set up to broadcast the opening ceremony.

Locals gladly lined up for hours for entry to the park, during which this reporter was surprised to find no one jumped the queue as spectators joyfully chatted with each other.

"I've already been waiting for three hours; I couldn't afford a ticket to the opening ceremony, so I am very happy to be here," said 28-year-old Caroline Harper.

"Actually, I am here just to share in the fun. The Olympics do not mean much to me, but I still get excited when I watch the events," she added.

Although The Evening Standard reported on the vast number of empty seats still available at any given venue, this reporter observed that over the past five days of competition, around 90 percent of the seats were occupied during popular events such as diving, basketball, swimming, badminton and football, while less popular events such as fencing had a 60 percent occupancy. 

Among those waiting for tickets was Mattew Blunden of Plymouth, who along with his 7-year-old son, waited outside Olympic Park with a sign around his neck that read, "two tickets wanted for any event."

"Unfortunately we haven't able to get our hands on any tickets. But we are so close to experiencing the Games, and my son really wants to see it, so I'll try my best to make his wish come true," Blunden told the Global Times.

Boom town

According to a report released by the UK Social Science Collections and Research team, the Games have been a boost for the British economy, creating more than 36,000 new jobs. Figures show that 58 percent new job recipients are from London and 9 percent were previously unemployed. 

Local supermarkets such as Waitrose have extended opening hours during the Games from 12 hours (9 am—10 pm) to 14 hours (8 am—11 pm).

"Our store hired more people to handle the extended hours, plus we're getting paid overtime. We're certainly happy about that," David Beard, a supermarket employee, told the Global Times.

Meanwhile at City Hall, potential investors from around the world gathered for the "Games-time Innovative Business Program."

Organized by the London municipal government, the UK's leaders in technology, creative, environmental and financial sectors showcased investment chances during one of the city's finest hours.

"I want the audience to be stimulated by a feast of all that's best about the capital, so when it comes to deciding on where to locate their new headquarters, this charm offensive will benefit Londoners for decades to come in the form of jobs and economic growth," Boris Johnson said at the event.

Participants included top name multinationals such as Disney, Paramount Pictures and Silicon Valley Bank.

Chinese corporations were also present, including Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and Tsingtao Brewery.

Jim O'Neill, chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management who attend the program, said that he welcomes the event, which will help promote London throughout the world.

"Just like music, sport is another language which could be used as a tool to communicate between different nations," O'Neill told the Global Times.

"London is a town for those who love sports. How could they hate the Games and even want to escape it? After spending three weeks in London, some investors may find out how attractive the city is," he added.

Some local media criticized that instead of the widely predicted tourist boom, overseas visitors have actually been deterred from coming to London during the Olympic Games. 

However an employee at Harrods, one of London's most luxurious shopping malls, told the Global Times that business has seen a 5 percent daily increase during the Games.

Many interviewed expressed the Games had not affected their lives, and were waiting for things to get back to normal.

"I get up, have breakfast and chat with friends online as usual. The only difference for me is that I can collect more stories for my writing," said Joseph Bailey, a 31-year-old internet novelist. "I can handle the inconvenience; everything will be back on track after three weeks."