Rio Braces for First Olympic Working Day

(ATR) Rio officials warn of potential transportation headaches when the Games clash with a working public.

Rafael Picciani,executive secretary of government coordination,says the city is prepared for the influx of both Olympic and work day traffic on Monday, but that it may cause some headaches.

"Monday will be a great challenge, and we count on the population and remind everyone that we have several restrictions and interruption of everyday life because of the Olympics," Picciani said to reporters. "We suggest you plan your efforts and movements in the city. We know this isn’t common for the Cariocas but we suggest you carpool and go with a friend, or take public transportation."

Some roads are expected to be closed around the Maracanazinho stadium, in Deodoro, and in Barra da Tijuca to accommodate transportation to venues. In those roads where city bus lines run, alterations to the routes have already been made Picciani says. Those affected by the rerouting should visit cidadeolimpica.rio to see the alternate routes.

Rio's traffic is notorious. The day after Rio started using the dedicated Olympic lanes a 20km traffic jam formed on Lina Vermelha, one of Rio's main highways. The city has partnered with two mobile apps "Waze," for traffic updates, and "Moovits," for public transportation planning, to help disseminate information so people can plan for the challenges.

Picciani was asked about transportation hiccups and what the city has been doing about them. One reporter said he was stranded at a station for more than 40 minutes at 2 o’clock in the morning when he returnedto Barra on the BRT.

Picciani said the city will work to "balance the services offered," to prevent such occurrences.

"We decided to take some measures that have solved problems very quickly, so we are very optimistic," Picciani said. "Working off the negative points, services remain at a high level. Now is the time for people to use the public transportation systems."

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

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