February 22nd, 2010 by admin

If you’re heading to Whistler, Vancouver or other destinations for the 2010 Winter Olympics, you’ll need a strategy for navigating crowded streets, bus routes and train stations when traveling to and from different events.
According to TravelSmart2010.ca, the website dedicated

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If you’re heading to Whistler, Vancouver or other destinations for the 2010 Winter Olympics, you’ll need a strategy for navigating crowded streets, bus routes and train stations when traveling to and from different events.

According to TravelSmart2010.ca, the website dedicated to travel for attendees of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, local traffic in downtown Vancouver is expected to be reduced by at least 30% throughout Olympics season to accommodate for the increase in visitors and blocked roads. This means you’ll need to count on public transportation for the majority of your trip and be flexible with your plans. Here are some essential travel tips for the 2010 Winter Olympics:

1. Steer Clear of Peak Travel Times

Make the most of your trip to downtown Vancouver by leaving before 7 a.m. and head out of the city before 2 p.m. If you do decide to stay later, avoid peak travel times between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. When using the Sea to Sky system, try and travel before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

2. Get Comfortable with Public Transit Systems

MSNBC.com reports that two streetcars will be available for free rides from the Olympic Village Canada Line Station to Granville Island between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. through March 21 for Olympics travelers. You can also take advantage of public transit options from TransLink, Vancouver’s transportation agency. Pick up a six-week 2010 Olympic Games Transit Pass if you plan to attend the games for a longer period of time, or use the BC Transit Sea to Sky and Whistler transit services.

3. Map Out Park & Ride Locations

Avoid the hassles of parking near the stadiums and event venues by parking your rental car or your own car safely at a Park & Ride location. These designated parking locations are scattered around several major 2010 Olympics destinations and parking here can help you avoid major traffic jams before and after the event.

4. Check Highway Conditions Reports Before Hitting the Road

British Columbia’s DriveBC website lists current conditions of the major routes and areas, so it’s easy to find out where the major traffic problems are. If you plan on driving from Vancouver to Victoria, Whistler and other major Olympics destinations, map out your route ahead of time so you don’t run into too many traffic problems.

5. Consider Biking or Walking a Part of the Route

If you’re comfortable biking your way around the city, consider renting a bike and taking a bike path directly to the event venue. The City of Vancouver, City of Richmond and Whistler have designated pedestrian areas and cycling routes for bikers and walkers, and these paths may be a faster way to get to your destination. The City of Vancouver has set up ‘pedestrian corridors’ where several roads will be entirely closed off to vehicles from noon to midnight until the end of February. Pick up a detailed map of these areas so you can make your way to Olympic events without worrying about traffic.

6. Plan to Carpool

TransLink is recommending that drivers consider ride sharing or carpooling for travel to and from Olympics 2010 venues to reduce the number of cars throughout the city and to open up more parking spots. If you’re renting a car, register on a site like www.ride-share.com to find fellow travelers to join you. As a ride-sharing traveler, you’ll have access to priority parking spaces at some of the lots around the city including the Scott Road SkyTrain Station Park & Ride lot in Vancouver.

From biking part of the route to securing a parking spot at a Park & Ride destination, there are several ways to travel without hassles around the 2010 Winter Olympics Games. Use some of these smart travel strategies for easy access to all the major venues and parties.

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Vancouver Image: poyang

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