Transportation Costs During Olympic Games

Must preface this by saying that during every Olympics there is always delightful WALKING, walking often near interesting olympic fans from around the world.

Everyone has there own transport experiences during the games, but here's some notes from my experiences and from my observations.

In Mexico 68 my transport was primarily with the CBS News Crew in vans, cars and occasionally limo to escort incoming vips from the airport. Air transport in private planes after the games to resorts like Acapulco was given to most broadcasters and some press journalists by the Electric Company of Mexico and the Mexican government. (Cannot think of Mexico without bringing to mind, one of the highlights of my life. After the closing ceremonies we jumped on the field with thousands of others,and danced and sang to mariachi music. Security guards not only danced with us, they encouraged others! ) Anyway, working the games has definite benefits in most cases. But often when you work the games and/or volunteer, transportation is "not included." Munich 72 transport for me was primarily underground between Schwabing and the Olympic Village and a bit pricey. Trains outside the city to places like Bayerischzell were great. During Montreal 76 there were reasonable rates on the subway, bus and and there were free rides from locals who would ask us if we needed a ride. In Los Angeles '84, after all the fear of huge traffic jams, the the freeways were clear, wide open! These games were almost local for our family and I could offer rides to others. Naturally because it was an hour north of Dana Point, we always drove. During Barcelona 92, the Olympic Transport Passes were sold for about $20 or $30 US dollars. These passes were not only cost effective but saved time, valuable olympic-time! During recent Olympics, all transport to and from Olympic venues have been included in the price of a ticket to an event. During Beijing 08 there were so many people in long long lines waiting for buses to get to the events that it was simply easier to catch a cab and splurge, sort of. Taxi cab cost was never more than $3.00, before sharing!

To be continued. Coming up; Australia, Greece, Utah and risks of driving and cost of : ( yup, parking tickets!