Istanbul 2020 Unveil ‘Five I’s’ Transport Strategy

The organisers of Istanbul 2020 have announced their ‘five I’s’ transport strategy, drugs which will ensure a quality transport system for Olympic client groups, spectators and the city commuters.

The five I’s promises; Intelligent transport and traffic management schemes, Integrated approaches for systems and plans,  Interoperable systems to ensure a seamless transport experience,  Inclusive transport solutions to all Games clients and Immunity to incidents and unforeseen events.

Binali Yildirim, Minister of Transport of Turkey, said: “The Games Transport Directorate has been established to take responsibility for the operational planning and delivery of Games transport services.

“This transport model leverages Istanbul’s existing and planned transport infrastructure. Our transport projects will leave a tremendous legacy for Istanbul and will be executed, irrespective of whether we are awarded the honour of hosting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

In the last decade, Istanbul has seen two metro lines and the metrobüs system constructed, both of which happened after Istanbul’s last Olympic bid.

On top of this the Sabiha Gokcen airport transport plan has been significantly expanded.

The 2009-2023 Integrated Urban Transport Master Plan (IUAP) has already invested $3 billion into transport infrastructure and has committed a further $6.8 billion of investment over the next ten years, which will see the construction of the Marmary rail tunnel line and the Eurasia Bosphorus road tunnel.

Muzaffer Hac?mustafao?lu, Deputy Secretary General IMM, Head of Games Transport Directorate, said:

“Our aim is to provide an exceptional transport experience for all Games client groups whilst minimizing disruption to the city’s everyday rhythm.

“We have therefore developed our Games transport plan to ensure that the two sides of Istanbul continue to run smoothly. Significant investments in Intelligent Traffic Management will enhance road capacity and Istanbul’s roads will be extended by 12 percent by 2020.

“We are also investing in shifting from private cars to public transport. Trips via rail, which currently represent 19 percent of all public transport, will increase to more than 50 percent.”

The plan for the Olympics is for, on average, stations to be less than one kilometer from the venue, which will guarantee that 91% of athletes; trips will be 30 minutes or less.