Game On 2010 - FAQ
Q: Will I need a special security pass to make deliveries or drive around downtown Vancouver?
A: Local businesses will be able to make and receive deliveries 24 hours a day, but flexibility in timing your deliveries is strong encouraged. The City of Vancouver is recommending that all deliveries be planned between 12 midnight and 12 noon, preferably before 6:00 am.
Q: Will the Lions Gate Bridge will be closed?
A: The Lions Gate and all other bridges in the Metro Vancouver area will be open to the public, however there will be an Olympic Lane approaching the Lions Gate and Ironworkers Memorial bridges. An Olympic Lane is one lane of traffic (the curb lane) dedicated to Olympic vehicles and public transit.Though these bridges are open, everyone is strongly encouraged to choose alternate modes of transportation and avoid driving alone as much as possible during the Games. It is expected that the Lions Gate and Ironworkers Memorial bridges will be very busy. If you must drive, fill up your car with passengers.
Q: Will the streets in downtown Vancouver be closed all day due to the pedestrian corridors
A: In downtown Vancouver, pedestrian corridors will be in effect from noon to midnight only. Access for vehicles will be maintained between midnight and noon. For more information on pedestrian corridors, please visit the City of Vancouver’s website at vancouver.ca
Q: Does an Olympic Lane mean that the street will be closed off to other users?
A: Similar to HOV lanes, Olympic Lanes will dedicate one lane of traffic (the curb lane) in each direction to Olympic vehicles and TransLink buses. All other lanes on the road will remain open.
Q: Will schools be closed during the 2010 Winter Games?
A: Post-secondary institutions such as The University of B.C. and Capilano University will have extended reading breaks, while Douglas College and Langara College will be closed. With regards to secondary and elementary schools, it is up to the school board of each district to decide. The Vancouver school board has decided to keep schools in session during the Games. West Vancouver and Sea to Sky, have decided to close schools for two weeks during the 2010 Winter Games. Delta, Richmond and Surrey schools will remain open, but New Westminster and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows are still considering their options. The Vancouver school board will work with other Metro Vancouver school districts, Vanoc, TransLink and the provincial government to ensure a good transportation network is in place so staff and students can get to school.
Q: How will people get from Vancouver to Whistler, will there be access to parking?
A: 2010 Winter Games tickets will include a transportation pass. There will be Translink buses going up to Whistler for ticket and non-ticket holders. There is no parking access for private vehicles.
Q: My business activities involve a lot of travel during the day, how will I manage this with the transportation change around the downtown core?
A: It is best to plan ahead and limit trips. If possible, you might want to consider booking your appointments before or after, rather than during the Games. Transportation suggestions can be found on the Game On 2010 section regarding Location.
Q: Are there going to be any tourism-related services in the airport to assist incoming visitors get to their destinations?
A: Tourism BC, Tourism Vancouver and Tourism Richmond will have an integrated plan that will assist visitors. VANOC volunteers and tourism-related volunteers will also be available at the airport to help people get around.
Q: How will hospitality companies source needs such as for staffing for Games?
A: Corporate hospitality firms will be using the 2010 Commerce Centre’s 2010 Business Network. For major projects, they will be issuing RFPs. For staffing, they will be working with the local community and local recruiting companies. They willl rely on volunteers as well.
Q: For the hospitality companies, will their corporate gifting only consist of licensed merchandise?
A: No, corporate hospitality firms are on ‘the other side of the fence’ so there are no rules about having to use licensed merchandise. Of course, they will consult with VANOC and stay within the grounds.
Q: Can business, located in the downtown area, still receive supply deliveries?
A: During Games time, busineses are strongly encouraged to complete all their loading activities before noon. After this time loading will be more difficult since majority of the pedestrian corridors will be closed off to traffic.Within pedestrianized areas, businesses will be able to receive deliveries in lanes or side streets. Timing and flexibility will be required. To limit the impact on commercial loading, the city plans to:
- Provide new loading areas on streets near corridors
- Relax noise by-laws to allow deliveries in the early morning
- Provide more details in the second phase of the transportation plan as to which streets/lanes will be open in pedestrianized areas
Q: Who will be allowed to use the Olympic Lanes?
A: The Olympic Lanes will be for vehicles transporting athletes, officials, media, VANOC motor coaches as well as Translink buses.
Q: What transit routes connect to the venues?
A: All venues are connected to Rapid Transit,either by a short walk to a station or via an express bus route. Downtown Vancouver is served by SkyTrain, SeaBus, West Coast Express and over 30 local bus routes. The new Skytrain Canada Line will be the main connection for Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre as well as the Richmond Olympic Oval. Spectators going to UBC Thunderbird Arena can use the 99 B-Line route on Broadway, Pacific Coliseum will be connected to the SkyTrain via a Games Express route, as well as the frequent #135 bus route to downtown and a games Express route to the North Shore via the Ironworkers Memorial bridge.
Q: Will transit hours to extended or changed?
A: To help accomodate the late night demand, the hours of operation on the SkyTrain Expo Line will be extended to after 2:15am throughout the Olympic period. SeaBus will also operate later hours to match SkyTrain. An enhanced NightBus system is also being planned, connecting major destinations on key corridors through the night.
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