Paes Details Olympic Logistical Plans

(ATR) Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes says all citywide logistical operations for the Olympics are ready.

Paes presented the plans in a press conference on April 27, The event coincided with the 100 days to go threshold for the 2016 Games, in lieu of a ceremony done by the organizing committee.

In order to prepare for the influx of extra people in Rio de Janeiro, Paes said to reporters the city will utilize the soon-to-open metro line 4, bus-rapid transit, and newly installed "Olympic lanes," which will connect the four different Olympic zones. The Olympic lanes are expected to be installed between July 25 and 31.

A total of 161.6 miles of "Olympic lanes" will be open to serve shuttles for athletes, officials, and media and bus rapid transit for spectators. A fine of $425 will be levied on any motorists using the Olympic lanes in non-authorized vehicles.

A special Olympic transit card will be available for purchase, online, at Rio’s two airports, metro, and BRT stations. The card will be valid during the Games and will allow unlimited travel on valid days. One day costs $7, three days costs $20, and seven days costs $45.

The busiest days for the Games are expected to be Aug. 12, 16, and 17. On each of these days it is expected that more than 400,000 people will be using Rio’s public transportation system.

Three public holidays will be created during the Olympics on Aug. 5, 18, and 22, while all public schools will be closed Aug. 1-28 for the Games. The first holiday is for the Olympic opening ceremony, the second is for when the triathlon will shut down many major roads in the city, and the final holiday will be for when the Olympic family departs from Rio de Janeiro after the closing ceremony.

Paes told reporters that it is possible more public holidays could be called to deal with the strains of the Olympics.

Even though the metro line 4 and Transoeste and Transolimpica BRT lines are still being finished, Mayor Paes told reporters, "construction work is no longer the biggest issue" ahead of the Games.

"Now it's the operation of the city," Paes added.

Olympic Flame to Shine Over Guanabara Bay

Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes confirmed on April 27 that after the Olympic Opening Ceremony, the Olympic cauldron will be housed in the Porto Maravilha area of the city.

The cauldron will be the centerpiece of the port area live site, which has been billed a legacy project for the Games. Previously the Organizing committee was tight lipped about where the cauldron would reside after leaving the Maracana stadium.

The cauldron will be moved back to Maracana for the 2016 Olympic Closing Ceremony.

Written by Aaron Bauer in Geneva

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