Istanbul Bid Leader Dismisses Transport Concerns Cited by IOC

(ATR) Istanbul bid leader Hasan Arat says he is "delighted: with the IOC’s evaluation of the bid, expressing confidence in Turkey’s billion-dollar transport plans to alleviate concerns.

The IOC Evaluation Commission report published today said that the vision to integrate both the European and Asian sides of the city would lead to longer travel times and "potential operational challenges" for Olympic client groups.

It also said the 35-minute average athlete travel time from the Olympic Village to competition venues "may be optimistic" for the most distant facilities.

Reacting to the report in a conference call with international media on Tuesday, Arat said the report was "very good" for Istanbul and showed the bid’s strong technical side and that it was "firmly on track."

"I am happy with the report and we are now ready to go to the Lausanne meeting next month," he said, speaking of the 2020 candidate cities briefing to IOC members next week.

Asked by Around the Rings about the transport issues cited by the IOC, he responded: "We are confident we can meet our projections because we really have some significant significant improvements in our public transport."

He spoke of the $9.8 billion investment in 18 transport projects that would be deliveredbefore 2020, which includes upgrades to metro, road and rail links across the city.

The IOC report came after the anti-government protests in Istanbul that sparked negative global headlines and hurt the bid’s Olympic campaign.

Responding to an ATR question about the protests, Arat claimed the violent protests in and around Taksim Square in Istanbul had "largely calmed down" and would not halt the bid’s momentumheading into next week’s critical meeting in Lausanne.

"Every country has these types of protests. With one year to go, London had them. We will answer any questions they have, we are very open," Arat said.

He added: "IOC members are very experienced and know the Games are seven years away."

Commenting on the report, Turkish IOC member, Uğur Erdener said: "As someone heading up an NOC and an international federation, I am delighted with this report from the IOC Evaluation Commission.

"They clearly have realized that we offer unique and compelling solutions for all different Games client groups and can stage a Games that will benefit the wider Olympic Movement."

Reported by Mark Bisson.

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