Turkey engages for smooth traffic for 2020 Olympics

Istanbul, one of the three candidates to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, promises to solve its traffic problem if its bid is successful, Transport Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m has said in a meeting with the visiting IOC [International Olympic Committee] delegation yesterday.

“The Games Transport Directorate has been established to take responsibility for the operational planning and delivery of Games transport services. This transport model leverages Istanbul’s existing and planned transport infrastructure. Our transport projects will leave a tremendous legacy for Istanbul and will be executed, irrespective of whether we are awarded the honor of hosting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Y?ld?r?m said in a speech to the IOC Evaluation Commission.

Istanbul will ensure an exceptional transport experience for all Olympic client groups, spectators, and city commuters through the implementation of its “five I’s” transport strategy, according to the minister.
The “five I’s” promise intelligent transport and traffic management schemes, integrated approaches for systems and plans, interoperable systems to ensure a seamless transport experience, inclusive transport solutions to all Games clients, and immunity to incidents or unforeseen events.

The 2009-2023 Integrated Urban Transport Master Plan has already invested $3 billion in transport infrastructure and has committed a further $6.8 billion of investment over the next 10 years for the Marmaray rail tunnel line and the Eurasia Bosphorus road tunnel.

The transport plan intends to increase the high capacity of the city’s existing and planned metro, tram, and metrobus networks. On average, stations will be less than one kilometer from the venue front-of-house, guaranteeing that 91 percent of athletes’ trips will be 30 minutes or less and ensuring an average travel time of just 16 minutes.


/HurriyetDailynews/