Euro 2008 hosts reveal transport plans
01/06/2007 |
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Aided by a 5m EUROS investment from Euro 2008 SA, Austria and Switzerland have unveiled transport policies that will offer fans at UEFA EURO 2008™ use of public transport as part of their match ticket.
Combi-tickets
For the first time in a UEFA European Championship, the host countries are providing Combi-tickets that will act as a nationwide travel pass on public transport for a 36-hour period on the date of the match until noon the next day. In Austria the tickets will be valid on the entire ÖBB train network as well as local services in the host cities, while in Switzerland those with the special passes will enjoy access to ferries, trains and public transport.
Organisational challenge
"A well-functioning transport concept is, alongside stadiums, safety and security, ticketing and accommodation, one of the most important and difficult organisational challenges for UEFA EURO 2008™," said Austrian government co-ordinator Heinz Palme. "It is therefore very gratifying that both host countries agree that the theme of transport should be given particular attention. The fact the Combi-ticket has been developed further since the 2006 FIFA World Cup and now includes long-distance travel, is a real bonus for the fans."
Traffic regulation
Austria expect 1.5 million visitors from abroad next summer and speaking in Vienna at one of two specially organised press conferences, Austrian federal minister Werner Faymann said: "It is important to manage the enormous amount of traffic that will be generated by UEFA EURO 2008™ in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. The aim is that the majority of guests, officials, media representatives and volunteers will use public transport in June 2008."
System benefits
In Switzerland, officials hope that use of public transport during the three weeks of the competition will account for 80 per cent of local traffic and 60 per cent of long-distance traffic. Other benefits of the plans include a reduction in exhaust-fume emissions and noise pollution, while additional measures are as follows:
• More than 1,000 extra ÖBB trains in the Vienna area alone
• Special trains in all host cities after each match
• No daytime roadworks on transfer days on the motorways and expressways
• Extended operating hours for airports
• Special passes for visitors without match tickets, including a UEFA EURO 2008™ travel pass and half-price railcard
• Additional night services on local, regional and long-distance public transport
• Single traffic management system in both countries, in accordance with the 'two countries, one tournament' principle
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