16 Mar 2017
Preparing for the Olympic Games can be a catalyst, accelerating urban development and regeneration projects for a city. The IOC encourages candidate cities to propose Games that fit with their long-term planning and objectives. Rio 2016 resulted in significant infrastructure development in the city.
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Thanks to the Games, the percentage of the population with access to high-quality transportation has risen from 18% in 2009 to 63% in 2016.
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Four new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes stretching 150km are now in operation.
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A new metro line connecting Barra to Zona Sul has been inaugurated. This will significantly reduce journey times between the two areas of the city.
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The light rail network has been expanded. Six hubs have been renovated and 130 new trains are now in operation.
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The Porto Maravilha area was regenerated using private investments believed to amount to BRL 8 billion. Today, it is a vibrant part of the city attracting many Rio de Janeiro residents.