Organisers of the Rio Olympics in 2016 have been urged by last year’s Games host city London to follow its lead to help ensure transport systems run smoothly.

Chair of the London Assembly’s transport committee Caroline Pidgeon wrote to the Brazilian Embassy’s ambassador last week with four key pieces of advice. She said the city should ensure all transport operators work closely together before and during the Games and that new infrastructure is tested thoroughly in advance.

Commuters should be encouraged to change their usual travel patterns to reduce strain on transport networks, she added, and transport preparations should be closely scrutinised to ensure any problems with travel can be rectified in advance.

“Lessons from London 2012 could help Rio cope with the pressure of additional visitors, delivering athletes to events swiftly and allowing residents to get to work,” Ms Pidgeon wrote.

Submission of the letter to Rio shortly followed a new report by the London Assembly focusing on the transport legacy from the Games.

In it the Assembly has asked the Mayor Boris Johnson to explain what measures are being taken to ensure new transport infrastructure is being used to its maximum capacity. The Assembly is looking for assurances that Stratford International station will continue to be used by international rail operators in future.

The report concludes that the “high performing” transport system of the 2012 Games should become the “everyday experience” for Londoners and “not just an exceptional, one off achievement” of last summer.

(Photo by: Gustavo Facci)

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