Safe, efficient, fast and reliable mobility: terms used to describe Rio 2016s transport plans for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games during a presentation to the IOC Evaluation Commission at the Copacabana Palace Hotel on 29 April.
The presentation was given by Minister of the Cities Márcio Fortes, Governor Sérgio Cabral, Mayor Eduardo Paes, and Rio 2016 Transport Manager Paulo Cavalcanti.
One of the highlights of Rios plans is a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, featuring three new express corridors for exclusive use by high-capacity buses with tubular stations similar to those in metro systems. The BRT lines will connect Barra da Tijuca to the citys South, North and West zones, ensuring fast high-volume transport integrated with the citys other public transport modes.
We felt that our presentation on Theme 15 Transportation was one of our strongest on the first day of meetings with the members of the Evaluation Commission, said Mayor Eduardo Paes.
We made it clear to the Commission members that our transport proposal is closely intertwined with our plans for development across the city and straightforward to implement with manageable costs that we are ready and able to bear given already secured government funding.
Valuable lessons from the Rio 2007 Pan American and Parapan American Games such as the use of green fuels and improvements to accessibility in urban transport formed an important part of the Bid Committees presentation to members.
We sought to demonstrate that the Rio 2016 Bid Committee is fully aware of the transport needs and services that will have to be delivered by the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The goal is to meet all Games demands without disrupting the normal routine of the city. Our plans are aligned with the citys development plan and, as well as implementing BRT lines, we are planning significant improvements to the metro and train systems, explained Paulo Cavalcanti.
