WHAT CAN ATHENS TEACH LONDON

The transport challenges facing Athens, Greece, in putting on the 2004 Olympic Games are outlined. The transport projects implemented to reduce congestion in the city included construction of two new underground metro lines, Lines 2 and 3, by Attiko Metro, new rolling stock for ISAP's Line 1 metro, a new suburban rail network, two new light rail routes to serve sports facilities on the coast and to act as feeders to the metro lines, and a new highway network comprising 120km of new routes. Dedicated lanes for Olympic traffic were created on many of the city's principal routes. The city's bus and trolley bus fleets were replaced and dedicated bus routes were designed for spectators, athletes, the Olympic family and media. The lessons for the London 2012 Olympic bid are outlined.