Traffic Olympics

Congestion is 'biggest challenge' for Athens 2004

ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Spectators at the 2004 Olympics will rely on a network of special public transportation in an attempt to overcome Athens' serious traffic woes, a top Olympic planner said Wednesday.

"It is evident Olympic transport represents the biggest challenge in the history of our city," Spyros Kapralos, executive director of the 2004 organizing committee, told a conference on the Athens Games.

The International Olympic Committee has listed traffic congestion as one of the main challenges facing overcrowded Athens, which has a very limited highway system and rush hour traffic that often moves at walking pace. The next IOC inspection of Athens' preparations is scheduled for next month.

Kapralos said special buses, trains and other transportation will be used to get spectators to the venues. But Athens faces an added complication since a shortage of hotel space means most ticket holders will be forced to stay in private homes or far away from Athens.

Organizers also have not decided how to limit and control private vehicles during the games, he added.

"Is it not true that Athens, a city designed for up to 80,000 people, is currently inhabited by 5 million people? Is it not true that over 2 million cars are owned in (greater Athens) and their owners have developed strong attachment to them?" he asked.

IOC officials have expressed frustration that Athens has canceled several planned road works and transportation projects aimed at easing traffic congestion.

"There is no doubt that Olympic transport is one of the most demanding challenges in our organization," Kapralos told the conference. "But I assure you that our optimism in its success is not wishful thinking ... Would it help to import Harry Potter to do all this?"

In Tokyo, Greek Premier Costas Simitis promised the works needed to stage "good games" will be completed. But he admitted some of the sweeping modernization plans for Athens may not be accomplished by 2004.

 

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