the sydney 2000 olympic and paralympic games - Australian Sports ...

PART FOUR : NSW GOVERNMENT AGENCIES GAMES SUPPORT SERVICES
including bus stops located on the SOP route, CityRail network map and estimated travel times. ORTA
sought to balance usage across the entire transport system when recommending spectator routes.
The Olympic Transport Action Plan for Business provided Games information that would facilitate the
normal functioning of businesses during the Games.
Rail Transport
The State Rail Authority’s (SRA) contribution to the success of the Games was significant. During the
Games there were 29.5 million passenger trips using CityRail services. The CityRail network facilitated
train travel to Olympic venues, the daily travel of Sydney commuters as well as tourist excursions.
The Games were characterised by intense use of the CityRail fleet over a sustained period of time. To
meet these demands, special Olympic rail arrangements were introduced, including an Olympic timetable
and the simplification of the CityRail network, so that lines were separated and the network of services
easier to operate.
The Olympic Timetable operated from 13 September to 1 October 2000. Trains operated 24 hours per
day, with total services increasing from the normal 3,000 on weekdays to 3,600 each day of the Olympic
timetable. Under the Olympic timetable a total of 419 trains ran to SOP each day, with a train at least every
4 minutes for 19 hours a day.
In the lead up to the Games, CityRail introduced new security measures such as closed circuit television
(CCTV), high intensity lighting and long line public address systems. The Games security plan, developed
in conjunction with OSCC, included the removal of rubbish bins from a number of CityRail stations along
the Olympic Corridor.
CityRail’s contribution included extensive support services such as maintenance, cleaning, security
services, staff training and rostering. To meet Games-time demand, CityRail hired and trained additional
staff, including more than 500 cleaners, 400 maintenance workers, 500 station staff, 229 drivers, 146
guards and 24 hour security patrols on key stations. More than 1,300 drivers and 1,000 guards worked
during this period. In addition, 310 State Rail, CityRail and Countrylink staff volunteered to act in customer
service roles during the Games. These Rail Olympic Volunteers ("Rovers") provided an important public
interface for Olympic rail services.
Supporting Infrastructure
The following infrastructure projects were specifically undertaken for the Games:
• Sydney Olympic Park Railway Station was constructed as part of OCA's development of SOP.
• There were major upgrades of Sydney Central, Lidcombe and Penrith railway stations.
• Supporting infrastructure, such as footbridges and station signage, were provided.
Bus Transport
Olympic buses were secured and operated in partnership with the private industry through the Bus and
Coach Association (BCA). An agreement was signed between ORTA, SOCOG and BCA for the formation
of Bus 2000, a private company to procure and operate Games buses. STA played an important role by
providing buses, drivers and senior management to the Olympic bus operation.
The provision of Olympic bus transport was a massive challenge. Key issues included procurement of the
bus fleet, training drivers and developing workable Olympic timetables. The Olympic bus operation also
required a massive bus depot and huge scheduling, fueling and maintenance tasks.
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