Special tickets will offer transport
use during UEFA EURO 2008T (¿Getty Images)
Aided by a ?5m investment from Euro 2008 SA, Austria and
Switzerland have unveiled transport policies that will offer fans at UEFA
EURO 2008T 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
OBB 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 2008T," 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 2008T
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 OBB 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 2008T 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
