Client Situation

The client organization was interested in understanding the readiness of the city's transport infrastructure and systems, as well and the fit of its long term transport investment plan in order to enter the official bidding process for hosting a major multi-sport event. Understanding of the event's transport requirements was also part of our client's expectations.

The way to problem solving

Spectator volumes in multi-sport events impose a surge in the demand of a city's public transport systems. On the other hand, the movement of Athletes, Media and other Games officials typically requires the implementation of special traffic management measures that could adversely impact on a city's "business as usual" traffic operations.

The intrinsic ability for providing efficient and timely transport services for multi-sport events lies within the existing and planned city's transport infrastructure, the city's traffic management capabilities, the city's public transport systems and the maturity of the local transport industry (bus, taxi and car rental industries).

Under this respect, the feasibility assessment took into consideration the city's existing road and rail infrastructure, the related systems that deliver public transport and traffic operations, as well as the plans to further develop the region's transport over the next ten years. The city's transport capabilities were analyzed against the transport requirements of the specific multi sport event. The legacy case of the said transport investments for the city was also assessed.

Accordingly, a series of key recommendations were proposed to all involved stakeholders providing guidance for the development of a robust transport strategy for the event, as well as targeted recommendations in terms of overall transport master planning. Our proposals to the City Authorities included investments in the road network and in the development of new busways. The key role of the rail system, that alleviates the traffic load from the road network, was also highlighted, as well as the requirement for the city to commit to the said upgrades. To explore the type and the extent of special traffic measures, a traffic modeling exercise was recommended.

Impact

Findings of the feasibility assessment were captured in a report and presented to City Authorities. Parameters, other than the transport arrangements of the city, were also co-examined. Finally the city decided to enter the official bidding process for hosting a major multi-sport event, with a successful outcome.

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