A CHALLENGE FOR THE ATHENS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM

The challenges posed by the Athens 2004 Olympic Games in Greece to the Athens public transport system are examined. The preparatory actions taken by Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA), the metropolitan transport authority in the Greater Athens area, and its affiliated companies (ETHEL, ILPAP, ISAP, AMEL, TRAM, PROASTIAKOS) to expand bus, trolley bus, metro, tram and suburban rail services are described. It was decided that spectators and workers would approach Olympic installations exclusively with public transport. Details are given of the Olympic Games Operational Plan and the Olympic Network Concept, priority measures (bus lanes), rolling stock and infrastructure, crowd management, contingency planning and integrated traffic management (traffic control signalling system, closed circuit television cameras, variable message signs).