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How did Athens prepare its transportation system for the 2004 Olympic Games?
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Athens
The Acropolis and surrounding area, Athens.
To prepare for the 2004 Olympic Games, Athens undertook a massive infrastructure improvement effort to address long-standing issues with traffic congestion and air pollution.12
Key developments included:
- New Airport: The Athens International Airport was completed and opened in 2001 to replace the city's previous aviation facilities.12
- Transit Expansion: The metropolitan transit system was significantly expanded, with the addition of approximately 17 miles (27 km) of track and 28 new stations.1
- System Upgrades: The city enhanced its existing network of buses and trolleys and introduced a new tram system.12
These improvements were critical in modernizing the city's public transportation network, which had previously been cited as a weakness in earlier Olympic bids.12