Baku transport system preparing for Baku-2015

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

The Azerbaijani Transport Ministry continues preparations for the inaugural European Games to be held in Baku in June 12-28.

As the biggest sporting event in Azerbaijan's history, Baku 2015 European Games will attract more than 6,000 athletes to represent their nations during the 17-day competition. Moreover, some 3,000 accompanying staff and a lot of tourists and sport fans are expected to watch closely this magnificent event.

Transport routes of athletes, visitors and tourists have already been identified. Meanwhile works are continuing to expand fleet of buses and taxis in the capital, said Ziya Mammadov, Transport Minister.

Moreover, he said, Baku has already delivered 300 new "London" taxis, another 200 are expected in the capital in late February-early March.

"Overall, we are well prepared for the upcoming first European Games," Mammadov stressed.

Baku Taxi, the owner of 1,000 purple taxis in Baku, will increase its fleet by 500 cars for the historical event.

Earlier, the company also announced recruitment of professional taxi drivers. They will be provided with free technical services, service center, compulsory insurance, navigation, POS-terminals, etc.

There is also good news for those, who prefer buses, as 50 new Isuzu buses were brought to Baku. Before the games, 150 more buses will be delivered to Azerbaijan.

The program of activities, which will be carried out in transport sector during the games, is large and covers a wide range of issues.

These activities include reconstruction of the transport infrastructure, creation of parking lots near the sports facilities, and addressing the public transport issues in these areas.

The program also envisages creation of parking lots on Baku's outskirts for vehicles coming from country's regions.

Moreover, over 2,000 of Baku’s drivers will benefit from intensive training courses to be held ahead of this year’s inaugural games.

The Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee, together with the Transport Ministry and Baku Bus Company, the government agency responsible for upgrading the city’s bus network, is working to ensure that drivers have the skills they need to operate safely and efficiently.

A new fleet of coaches, minibuses and sedans will transport athletes, officials and national delegation members during the games that will open in Baku on June 12.

A total of 2,100 participants, including 800 coach drivers, will complete a three-part course over the coming months, covering theory classes, a practical introduction to the new vehicles, and Baku 2015 Games route and familiarization with the venue.

It is estimated that the drivers will have a total of 15 days of special training before beginning work on official routes during the games.

The Baku 2015 Games will take place in 21 stadiums and facilities. The official opening ceremony of the games will take place in the 68,000-seat Baku Olympic Stadium. The Athletes Village will accommodate up to 7,300 people.